DMO vs QQQ
Western Asset Mortgage Opportunity Fund Inc. vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DMO offers more diversification with 396 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DMO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.10% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $128M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.24% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 396 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.66% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.78% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 24, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DMO vs QQQ Performance
Western Asset Mortgage Opportunity Fund Inc. (DMO) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DMO returned +0.78% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, DMO is up 3.66% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, DMO compounded at +12.22% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.51% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs -0.05%. 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 14.5% for DMO. 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 -60.2% for DMO 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMO charges 2.10% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $210 vs $18 annually, a gap of $192 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DMO currently yields 13.24% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DMO and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 127 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, DMO or QQQ?
DMO has an expense ratio of 2.10% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $192 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DMO or QQQ?
Over the past year DMO returned +0.78% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), DMO annualized -0.05% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DMO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.5% for DMO. Worst drawdown: DMO -60.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DMO and QQQ?
DMO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DMO and QQQ?
DMO and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMO or QQQ?
DMO yields 13.24% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DMO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.