DBEF vs QQQ
DBEF vs QQQ
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. DBEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. DBEF offers more diversification with 675 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBEF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $9.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 707 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.61% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.18% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.40% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.79% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DBEF vs QQQ Performance
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DBEF returned +29.18% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, DBEF is up 14.61% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, DBEF compounded at +19.40% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.79% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +10.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.5% for DBEF. 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 -32.5% for DBEF 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBEF charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBEF currently yields 2.31% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DBEF and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 777 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DBEF | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| YNDX:AS | 0.17% | 0.20% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DBEF or QQQ?
DBEF has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBEF or QQQ?
Over the past year DBEF returned +29.18% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so DBEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DBEF annualized +10.46% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBEF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.5% for DBEF. Worst drawdown: DBEF -32.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DBEF and QQQ?
DBEF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBEF and QQQ?
DBEF and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 777 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBEF or QQQ?
DBEF yields 2.31% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DBEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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