DHDG vs QQQ
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly 2.5 to 15 Buffer ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DHDG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $72M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.38% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.07% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DHDG vs QQQ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly 2.5 to 15 Buffer ETF (DHDG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DHDG returned +16.07% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, DHDG is up 10.38% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.7% for DHDG. 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 -8.3% for DHDG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DHDG charges 0.85% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $18 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DHDG currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DHDG 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, DHDG or QQQ?
DHDG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DHDG or QQQ?
Over the past year DHDG returned +16.07% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DHDG annualized +12.54% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DHDG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.7% for DHDG. Worst drawdown: DHDG -8.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DHDG and QQQ?
DHDG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DHDG and QQQ?
DHDG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DHDG or QQQ?
DHDG yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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