MEXX vs QQQ
Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. MEXX delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEXX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $19M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.32% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.99% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.67% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.15% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 71.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -95.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MEXX vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X ETF (MEXX) 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 MEXX returned +62.99% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, MEXX is up 11.32% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, MEXX compounded at +1.67% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.15% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -6.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 71.6% 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 -95.8% for MEXX 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEXX charges 1.23% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $18 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEXX currently yields 1.40% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MEXX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 107 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, MEXX or QQQ?
MEXX has an expense ratio of 1.23% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEXX or QQQ?
Over the past year MEXX returned +62.99% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so MEXX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MEXX annualized -6.59% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEXX or QQQ?
MEXX has been the more volatile fund at 71.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MEXX -95.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MEXX and QQQ?
MEXX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEXX and QQQ?
MEXX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 107 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEXX or QQQ?
MEXX yields 1.40% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MEXX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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