DNL vs QQQ
WisdomTree Global ex-US Quality Growth Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DNL offers more diversification with 202 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DNL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $505M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.41% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.10% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.02% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.46% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DNL vs QQQ Performance
WisdomTree Global ex-US Quality Growth Fund (DNL) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DNL returned +20.10% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, DNL is up 11.41% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, DNL compounded at +12.02% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.46% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +3.77%. 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 16.4% for DNL. 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 -46.9% for DNL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DNL charges 0.42% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $18 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DNL currently yields 1.32% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DNL and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 301 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DNL or QQQ?
DNL has an expense ratio of 0.42% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DNL or QQQ?
Over the past year DNL returned +20.10% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DNL annualized +3.77% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DNL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.4% for DNL. Worst drawdown: DNL -46.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DNL and QQQ?
DNL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DNL and QQQ?
DNL and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 301 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DNL or QQQ?
DNL yields 1.32% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DNL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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