DMAX vs QQQ
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Dec 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 | DMAX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $138M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.50% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.04% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DMAX vs QQQ Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Dec ETF (DMAX) 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 DMAX returned +6.04% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, DMAX is up 3.50% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 2.7% for DMAX. 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 -3.4% for DMAX 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
DMAX 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, DMAX currently yields 0.88% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DMAX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 106 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, DMAX or QQQ?
DMAX 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, DMAX or QQQ?
Over the past year DMAX returned +6.04% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DMAX annualized +6.36% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DMAX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.7% for DMAX. Worst drawdown: DMAX -3.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DMAX and QQQ?
DMAX 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 DMAX and QQQ?
DMAX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMAX or QQQ?
DMAX yields 0.88% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DMAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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