DDIV vs QQQ
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend 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 | DDIV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $81M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.02% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.58% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.66% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DDIV vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF (DDIV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DDIV returned +21.58% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, DDIV is up 11.02% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, DDIV compounded at +20.98% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.66% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +9.73%. 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 20.1% for DDIV. 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 -47.5% for DDIV 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DDIV charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDIV currently yields 1.53% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DDIV and QQQ share 6 holdings out of 146 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DDIV or QQQ?
DDIV has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DDIV or QQQ?
Over the past year DDIV returned +21.58% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DDIV annualized +9.73% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DDIV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.1% for DDIV. Worst drawdown: DDIV -47.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DDIV and QQQ?
DDIV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DDIV and QQQ?
DDIV and QQQ share 6 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DDIV or QQQ?
DDIV yields 1.53% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DDIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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