DGRO vs QQQ
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
DGRO has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGRO offers more diversification with 397 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGRO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $43.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 397 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.09% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.96% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.04% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DGRO vs QQQ Performance
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DGRO returned +22.96% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, DGRO is up 15.09% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, DGRO compounded at +18.54% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.04% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +11.21%. 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 13.7% for DGRO. 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 -35.1% for DGRO 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGRO charges 0.08% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $18 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRO currently yields 1.89% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DGRO and QQQ share 33 holdings out of 449 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGRO or QQQ?
DGRO has an expense ratio of 0.08% while QQQ charges 0.18%. DGRO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGRO or QQQ?
Over the past year DGRO returned +22.96% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DGRO annualized +11.21% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGRO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.7% for DGRO. Worst drawdown: DGRO -35.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DGRO and QQQ?
DGRO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGRO and QQQ?
DGRO and QQQ share 33 common holdings with a 20.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 449 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGRO or QQQ?
DGRO yields 1.89% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DGRO 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.