DFE vs QQQ
WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFE offers more diversification with 381 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $169M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.95% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 381 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.84% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.53% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.14% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.13% | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DFE vs QQQ Performance
WisdomTree Europe SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DFE returned +14.53% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, DFE is up 9.84% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, DFE compounded at +17.14% per year against +26.08% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.13% and +15.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +3.33%. 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 22.0% for DFE. 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 -74.3% for DFE 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFE charges 0.58% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $18 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFE currently yields 3.95% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DFE and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 470 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, DFE or QQQ?
DFE has an expense ratio of 0.58% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFE or QQQ?
Over the past year DFE returned +14.53% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DFE annualized +3.33% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.0% for DFE. Worst drawdown: DFE -74.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DFE and QQQ?
DFE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFE and QQQ?
DFE and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 470 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFE or QQQ?
DFE yields 3.95% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DFE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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