MSDD vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. MSDD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: MSDDMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMSDDQQQWinner
Expense Ratio1.50%0.18%
AUM$2M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings1108
YTD Return-45.26%+18.31%
1Y Return+70.78%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)133.8%30.6%
Max Drawdown-84.9%-83.0%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 9, 2025Mar 10, 1999

MSDD vs QQQ Performance

GraniteShares 2x Short MSTR Daily ETF (MSDD) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MSDD returned +70.78% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, MSDD is down 45.26% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 133.8% 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 -84.9% for MSDD 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 -0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSDD charges 1.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $18 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSDD currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MSDD or QQQ?

MSDD has an expense ratio of 1.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $132 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSDD or QQQ?

Over the past year MSDD returned +70.78% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so MSDD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MSDD annualized +87.92% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSDD or QQQ?

MSDD has been the more volatile fund at 133.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MSDD -84.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both MSDD and QQQ?

MSDD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSDD or QQQ?

MSDD yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.