DWAT vs QQQ
Arrow DWA Tactical 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 | DWAT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.83% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.89% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -4.04% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.06% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.81% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.05% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Arrow Investment Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2014 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DWAT vs QQQ Performance
Arrow DWA Tactical ETF (DWAT) is a ETF from Arrow Investment Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DWAT returned +0.06% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, DWAT is down 4.04% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, DWAT compounded at +0.81% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.05% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +4.84%. 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 12.8% for DWAT. 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 -34.7% for DWAT 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
DWAT charges 1.83% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $183 vs $18 annually, a gap of $165 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWAT currently yields 10.89% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DWAT or QQQ?
DWAT has an expense ratio of 1.83% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $165 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DWAT or QQQ?
Over the past year DWAT returned +0.06% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), DWAT annualized +4.84% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DWAT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.8% for DWAT. Worst drawdown: DWAT -34.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DWAT and QQQ?
DWAT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DWAT or QQQ?
DWAT yields 10.89% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DWAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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