DBE vs QQQ
Invesco DB Energy Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. DBE delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $96M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +79.18% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +72.50% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.06% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.11% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DBE vs QQQ Performance
Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DBE returned +72.50% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, DBE is up 79.18% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, DBE compounded at +14.06% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +17.11% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +2.15%. 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 28.2% for DBE. 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 -86.7% for DBE 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBE charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBE currently yields 2.59% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DBE and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 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, DBE or QQQ?
DBE has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBE or QQQ?
Over the past year DBE returned +72.50% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so DBE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DBE annualized +2.15% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 28.2% for DBE. Worst drawdown: DBE -86.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DBE and QQQ?
DBE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBE and QQQ?
DBE and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBE or QQQ?
DBE yields 2.59% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DBE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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