DSTL vs QQQ
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSTL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +18.04% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.46% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.36% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.72% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Distillate Capital Etfs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DSTL vs QQQ Performance
Distillate US Fundamental Stability & Value ETF (DSTL) is a ETF from Distillate Capital Etfs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DSTL returned +23.46% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, DSTL is up 18.04% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, DSTL compounded at +16.36% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.72% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DSTL has the edge at +15.28% annualized vs +13.02%. 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 17.1% for DSTL. 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 -33.1% for DSTL 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSTL charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSTL currently yields 1.13% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DSTL and QQQ share 15 holdings out of 187 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSTL or QQQ?
DSTL has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSTL or QQQ?
Over the past year DSTL returned +23.46% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DSTL annualized +15.28% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSTL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.1% for DSTL. Worst drawdown: DSTL -33.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DSTL and QQQ?
DSTL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSTL and QQQ?
DSTL and QQQ share 15 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 187 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSTL or QQQ?
DSTL yields 1.13% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DSTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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