DNP vs QQQ

DNP vs QQQ
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Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DNP offers more diversification with 131 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: DNP

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDNPQQQWinner
Expense Ratio1.77%0.18%
AUM$3.7B$496.3B
Dividend Yield8.00%0.44%
Holdings131108
YTD Return+15.31%+19.52%
1Y Return+20.18%+26.68%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.66%+26.64%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.36%+15.36%
Volatility (annualized)14.7%30.6%
Max Drawdown-54.8%-83.0%
Fund FamilyDuff & Phelps Investment Management Co.Invesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 21, 1987Mar 10, 1999

DNP vs QQQ Performance

DNP Select Income Fund Inc. (DNP) is a ETF from Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DNP returned +20.18% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, DNP is up 15.31% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.

Over three years, DNP compounded at +11.66% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.36% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +2.05%. 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 14.7% for DNP. 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 -54.8% for DNP 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DNP charges 1.77% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $177 vs $18 annually, a gap of $159 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DNP currently yields 8.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.5%overlap

DNP and QQQ share 2 holdings out of 222 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DNPWeight in QQQDifference
XEL3.72%0.21%3.51%
AEP2.03%0.30%1.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DNP or QQQ?

DNP has an expense ratio of 1.77% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $159 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DNP or QQQ?

Over the past year DNP returned +20.18% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), DNP annualized +2.05% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DNP or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.7% for DNP. Worst drawdown: DNP -54.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both DNP and QQQ?

DNP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DNP and QQQ?

DNP and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 222 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DNP or QQQ?

DNP yields 8.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DNP currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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