DDTL vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDDTLQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.18%
AUM$86M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings7108
YTD Return+6.90%+18.31%
1Y Return+11.67%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)4.9%30.6%
Max Drawdown-3.8%-83.0%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 30, 2025Mar 10, 1999

DDTL vs QQQ Performance

Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DDTL returned +11.67% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, DDTL is up 6.90% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.9% for DDTL. 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 -3.8% for DDTL 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DDTL charges 0.79% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $18 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDTL currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DDTL 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, DDTL or QQQ?

DDTL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DDTL or QQQ?

Over the past year DDTL returned +11.67% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DDTL annualized +12.57% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DDTL or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.9% for DDTL. Worst drawdown: DDTL -3.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both DDTL and QQQ?

DDTL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DDTL and QQQ?

DDTL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DDTL or QQQ?

DDTL yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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