QQQE vs VYM
Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. QQQE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.69% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.98% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.45% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.20% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QQQE vs VYM Performance
Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF (QQQE) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QQQE returned +25.98% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, QQQE is up 20.69% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, QQQE compounded at +17.45% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.20% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQE has the edge at +14.04% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -32.1% for QQQE and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQE charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQE currently yields 0.56% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QQQE and VYM share 27 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQE or VYM?
QQQE has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQE or VYM?
Over the past year QQQE returned +25.98% vs +25.03% for VYM, so QQQE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QQQE annualized +14.04% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQE or VYM?
QQQE has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: QQQE -32.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QQQE and VYM?
QQQE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQE and VYM?
QQQE and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 12.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQE or VYM?
QQQE yields 0.56% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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