MDST vs QQQ
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. MDST offers more diversification with 118 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MDST | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $290M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.98% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +18.96% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.16% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Westwood Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MDST vs QQQ Performance
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) is a ETF from Westwood Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MDST returned +23.16% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, MDST is up 18.96% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.8% for MDST. 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 -14.2% for MDST 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDST charges 0.80% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $18 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDST currently yields 9.98% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MDST and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 125 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, MDST or QQQ?
MDST has an expense ratio of 0.80% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDST or QQQ?
Over the past year MDST returned +23.16% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MDST annualized +19.17% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDST or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.8% for MDST. Worst drawdown: MDST -14.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MDST and QQQ?
MDST and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDST and QQQ?
MDST and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDST or QQQ?
MDST yields 9.98% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MDST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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