QQQ vs RETL
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF
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 | QQQ | RETL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.96% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $27M | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 0.49% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 82 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | -6.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | -4.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +12.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | -27.02% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 70.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -92.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jul 14, 2010 |
QQQ vs RETL Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF (RETL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while RETL returned -4.52%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a loss of 6.14% for RETL.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.96% per year against +12.10% for RETL; over five years the annualized figures are +14.54% and -27.02% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RETL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.4% 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -92.0% for RETL. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while RETL charges 0.96%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $96 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 0.49% for RETL.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and RETL share 5 holdings out of 175 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or RETL?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while RETL charges 0.96%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or RETL?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs -4.52% for RETL, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +12.90% for RETL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or RETL?
RETL has been the more volatile fund at 70.4% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs RETL -92.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and RETL?
QQQ and RETL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and RETL?
QQQ and RETL share 5 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or RETL?
QQQ yields 0.44% while RETL yields 0.49%, so RETL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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