DIAL vs QQQ
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DIAL offers more diversification with 686 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIAL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $390M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 686 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.64% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.42% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.40% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.35% | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DIAL vs QQQ Performance
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DIAL returned +3.42% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, DIAL is up 0.64% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, DIAL compounded at +6.40% per year against +26.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.35% and +15.34% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +1.18%. 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 7.4% for DIAL. 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 -22.2% for DIAL 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIAL charges 0.29% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $18 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIAL currently yields 5.12% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DIAL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 516 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, DIAL or QQQ?
DIAL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIAL or QQQ?
Over the past year DIAL returned +3.42% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DIAL annualized +1.18% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIAL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.4% for DIAL. Worst drawdown: DIAL -22.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DIAL and QQQ?
DIAL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIAL and QQQ?
DIAL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIAL or QQQ?
DIAL yields 5.12% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DIAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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