DWSH vs QQQ
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short 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 | DWSH | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 6.22% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $6M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.98% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -15.82% | +17.89% | |
| 1Y Return | -13.76% | +26.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -7.55% | +26.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.84% | +14.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DWSH vs QQQ Performance
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF (DWSH) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DWSH returned -13.76% while QQQ returned +26.35%. Year to date, DWSH is down 15.82% versus a gain of 17.89% for QQQ.
Over three years, DWSH compounded at -7.55% per year against +26.02% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -4.84% and +14.59% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.07% annualized vs -14.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DWSH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% 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 -84.4% for DWSH 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 -0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DWSH charges 6.22% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $622 vs $18 annually, a gap of $604 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWSH currently yields 6.98% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DWSH and QQQ share 10 holdings out of 191 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, DWSH or QQQ?
DWSH has an expense ratio of 6.22% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $604 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DWSH or QQQ?
Over the past year DWSH returned -13.76% vs +26.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DWSH annualized -14.86% vs +13.07% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DWSH or QQQ?
DWSH has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: DWSH -84.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DWSH and QQQ?
DWSH and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DWSH and QQQ?
DWSH and QQQ share 10 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DWSH or QQQ?
DWSH yields 6.98% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so DWSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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