DAX vs QQQ
Global X Dax Germany ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $236M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.06% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +4.58% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.47% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DAX vs QQQ Performance
Global X Dax Germany ETF (DAX) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DAX returned +6.47% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, DAX is up 4.58% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, DAX compounded at +20.43% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +4.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.7% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.1% for DAX and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAX charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAX currently yields 2.06% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DAX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 142 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAX or QQQ?
DAX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAX or QQQ?
Over the past year DAX returned +6.47% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), DAX annualized +4.37% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAX or QQQ?
DAX has been the more volatile fund at 33.7% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: DAX -56.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DAX and QQQ?
DAX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DAX and QQQ?
DAX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAX or QQQ?
DAX yields 2.06% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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