DFGX vs QQQ
Dimensional International Core Fixed Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFGX offers more diversification with 788 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFGX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 788 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.25% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DFGX vs QQQ Performance
Dimensional International Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) is a ETF from Dimensional and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DFGX returned +1.25% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, DFGX is up 0.35% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.3% for DFGX. 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 -3.3% for DFGX 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFGX charges 0.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFGX currently yields 4.14% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DFGX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 190 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, DFGX or QQQ?
DFGX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFGX or QQQ?
Over the past year DFGX returned +1.25% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DFGX annualized +5.29% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFGX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.3% for DFGX. Worst drawdown: DFGX -3.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DFGX and QQQ?
DFGX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFGX and QQQ?
DFGX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 190 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFGX or QQQ?
DFGX yields 4.14% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DFGX 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.