DBEU vs QQQ
Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DBEU offers more diversification with 410 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBEU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $800M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 410 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.18% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.54% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.72% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DBEU vs QQQ Performance
Xtrackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (DBEU) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DBEU returned +21.71% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, DBEU is up 12.18% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, DBEU compounded at +17.54% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.72% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +9.87%. 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 12.7% for DBEU. 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 -34.5% for DBEU 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBEU charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBEU currently yields 1.40% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DBEU and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 500 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DBEU | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| YNDX:AS | 0.26% | 0.21% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DBEU or QQQ?
DBEU has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBEU or QQQ?
Over the past year DBEU returned +21.71% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DBEU annualized +9.87% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBEU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.7% for DBEU. Worst drawdown: DBEU -34.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DBEU and QQQ?
DBEU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBEU and QQQ?
DBEU and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 500 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBEU or QQQ?
DBEU yields 1.40% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DBEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.