DFSI vs QQQ
DFSI vs QQQ
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFSI offers more diversification with 332 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFSI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 334 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.04% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.55% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2008 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DFSI vs QQQ Performance
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) is a ETF from Dimensional and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DFSI returned +21.55% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, DFSI is up 11.04% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +18.60% per year against +25.54% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSI has the edge at +21.35% annualized vs +13.11%. 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 13.2% for DFSI. 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 -12.8% for DFSI 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSI charges 0.24% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $18 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSI currently yields 2.22% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DFSI and QQQ share 34 holdings out of 401 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFSI | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MU | 2.73% | 4.67% | 1.94% |
| AMZN | 3.13% | 4.26% | 1.13% |
| AMD | 0.21% | 3.85% | 3.64% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LIN:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMUS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFSI shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFSI or QQQ?
DFSI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSI or QQQ?
Over the past year DFSI returned +21.55% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +21.35% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.2% for DFSI. Worst drawdown: DFSI -12.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DFSI and QQQ?
DFSI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFSI and QQQ?
DFSI and QQQ share 34 common holdings with a 14.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 401 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSI or QQQ?
DFSI yields 2.22% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.