DUSL vs QQQ
Direxion Daily Industrials Bull 3X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. DUSL delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUSL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $59M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.26% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +45.48% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.41% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.31% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.09% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 60.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DUSL vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily Industrials Bull 3X ETF (DUSL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DUSL returned +56.41% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, DUSL is up 45.48% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, DUSL compounded at +46.31% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +22.09% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, DUSL has the edge at +19.06% annualized vs +13.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.0% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -86.1% for DUSL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUSL charges 0.97% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $18 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUSL currently yields 7.26% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DUSL and QQQ share 11 holdings out of 176 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUSL or QQQ?
DUSL has an expense ratio of 0.97% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUSL or QQQ?
Over the past year DUSL returned +56.41% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so DUSL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DUSL annualized +19.06% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUSL or QQQ?
DUSL has been the more volatile fund at 60.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: DUSL -86.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DUSL and QQQ?
DUSL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUSL and QQQ?
DUSL and QQQ share 11 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 176 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUSL or QQQ?
DUSL yields 7.26% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DUSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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