DFUS vs QQQ
DFUS vs QQQ
Dimensional US Equity Market ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
DFUS has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFUS offers more diversification with 2231 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $20.7B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 2,264 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.89% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.04% | +24.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.73% | +24.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.69% | +14.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2001 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DFUS vs QQQ Performance
Dimensional US Equity Market ETF (DFUS) is a ETF from Dimensional and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DFUS returned +22.04% while QQQ returned +24.70%. Year to date, DFUS is up 11.89% versus a gain of 14.45% for QQQ.
Over three years, DFUS compounded at +20.73% per year against +24.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.69% and +14.49% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFUS has the edge at +13.21% annualized vs +12.98%. 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 15.8% for DFUS. 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 -24.6% for DFUS 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFUS charges 0.09% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $18 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFUS currently yields 0.86% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DFUS and QQQ share 91 holdings out of 2243 unique holdings combined, representing a 49.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFUS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.59% | 7.88% | 1.29% |
| AAPL | 6.46% | 7.46% | 1.00% |
| MSFT | 4.16% | 4.65% | 0.49% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFUS 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, DFUS or QQQ?
DFUS has an expense ratio of 0.09% while QQQ charges 0.18%. DFUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFUS or QQQ?
Over the past year DFUS returned +22.04% vs +24.70% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFUS annualized +13.21% vs +12.98% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFUS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.8% for DFUS. Worst drawdown: DFUS -24.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DFUS and QQQ?
DFUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DFUS and QQQ?
DFUS and QQQ share 91 common holdings with a 49.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2243 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFUS or QQQ?
DFUS yields 0.86% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DFUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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