DLS vs QQQ
WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DLS offers more diversification with 1,014 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DLS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,014 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.25% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.53% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.94% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.37% | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DLS vs QQQ Performance
WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Fund (DLS) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DLS returned +16.53% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, DLS is up 10.25% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, DLS compounded at +18.94% per year against +26.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +7.37% and +15.34% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +3.94%. 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 17.9% for DLS. 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 -66.0% for DLS 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DLS charges 0.58% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $18 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DLS currently yields 3.50% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DLS and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 1037 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, DLS or QQQ?
DLS has an expense ratio of 0.58% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DLS or QQQ?
Over the past year DLS returned +16.53% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DLS annualized +3.94% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DLS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.9% for DLS. Worst drawdown: DLS -66.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DLS and QQQ?
DLS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DLS and QQQ?
DLS and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1037 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLS or QQQ?
DLS yields 3.50% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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