DGT vs QQQ
State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGT offers more diversification with 177 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $635M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.48% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 177 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +15.17% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.50% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.51% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.68% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DGT vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR Global Dow ETF (DGT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DGT returned +25.50% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, DGT is up 15.17% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, DGT compounded at +22.51% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +14.68% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +3.76%. 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 15.5% for DGT. 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 -58.3% for DGT 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGT charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGT currently yields 2.48% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DGT and QQQ share 29 holdings out of 229 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGT or QQQ?
DGT has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGT or QQQ?
Over the past year DGT returned +25.50% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), DGT annualized +3.76% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.5% for DGT. Worst drawdown: DGT -58.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DGT and QQQ?
DGT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGT and QQQ?
DGT and QQQ share 29 common holdings with a 18.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 229 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGT or QQQ?
DGT yields 2.48% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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