DVLU vs QQQ
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. DVLU delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DVLU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $51M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +17.37% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.65% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.99% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DVLU vs QQQ Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DVLU returned +39.65% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, DVLU is up 17.37% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, DVLU compounded at +22.00% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.99% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +11.09%. 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 24.1% for DVLU. 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 -53.3% for DVLU 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVLU charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DVLU currently yields 0.66% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DVLU and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 151 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DVLU | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NXPI | 0.78% | 0.26% | 0.52% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DVLU or QQQ?
DVLU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DVLU or QQQ?
Over the past year DVLU returned +39.65% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so DVLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DVLU annualized +11.09% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVLU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 24.1% for DVLU. Worst drawdown: DVLU -53.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DVLU and QQQ?
DVLU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVLU and QQQ?
DVLU and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVLU or QQQ?
DVLU yields 0.66% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DVLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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