DBA vs QQQ
Invesco DB Agriculture Fund 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.42% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.59% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.41% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.47% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DBA vs QQQ Performance
Invesco DB Agriculture Fund (DBA) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DBA returned +7.59% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, DBA is up 8.92% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, DBA compounded at +12.41% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.47% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +1.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 15.4% for DBA. 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 -68.0% for DBA 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBA charges 0.88% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $18 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBA currently yields 3.42% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DBA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 105 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, DBA or QQQ?
DBA has an expense ratio of 0.88% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBA or QQQ?
Over the past year DBA returned +7.59% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DBA annualized +1.29% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.4% for DBA. Worst drawdown: DBA -68.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DBA and QQQ?
DBA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBA and QQQ?
DBA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBA or QQQ?
DBA yields 3.42% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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