DUST vs QQQ
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X 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 | DUST | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $78M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.37% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -58.28% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -82.96% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -70.77% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -55.79% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 90.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DUST vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF (DUST) 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 DUST returned -82.96% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, DUST is down 58.28% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, DUST compounded at -70.77% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -55.79% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -51.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 90.5% 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 -100.0% for DUST 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUST charges 0.94% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $18 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUST currently yields 4.37% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DUST and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 104 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUST or QQQ?
DUST has an expense ratio of 0.94% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUST or QQQ?
Over the past year DUST returned -82.96% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DUST annualized -51.02% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUST or QQQ?
DUST has been the more volatile fund at 90.5% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: DUST -100.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DUST and QQQ?
DUST and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUST and QQQ?
DUST and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUST or QQQ?
DUST yields 4.37% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DUST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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