DPG vs QQQ
Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc 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 | DPG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.26% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $595M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.15% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.88% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.62% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.18% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.78% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DPG vs QQQ Performance
Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc (DPG) 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 DPG returned +19.62% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, DPG is up 14.88% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, DPG compounded at +22.18% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.78% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +0.94%. 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 20.0% for DPG. 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 -76.0% for DPG 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DPG charges 2.26% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $226 vs $18 annually, a gap of $208 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DPG currently yields 5.15% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DPG and QQQ share 4 holdings out of 152 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DPG or QQQ?
DPG has an expense ratio of 2.26% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $208 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DPG or QQQ?
Over the past year DPG returned +19.62% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DPG annualized +0.94% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DPG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.0% for DPG. Worst drawdown: DPG -76.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DPG and QQQ?
DPG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DPG and QQQ?
DPG and QQQ share 4 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DPG or QQQ?
DPG yields 5.15% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DPG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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