DSI vs QQQ
DSI vs QQQ
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DSI offers more diversification with 402 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $5.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 407 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +14.63% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.44% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.96% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DSI vs QQQ Performance
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF (DSI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DSI returned +23.44% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, DSI is up 14.63% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, DSI compounded at +20.96% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs +9.69%. 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 15.9% for DSI. 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 -55.1% for DSI 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSI charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSI currently yields 0.87% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DSI and QQQ share 51 holdings out of 454 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DSI | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 12.97% | 7.88% | 5.09% |
| MSFT | 7.84% | 4.65% | 3.19% |
| GOOGL | 6.13% | 3.29% | 2.84% |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DSI 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, DSI or QQQ?
DSI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSI or QQQ?
Over the past year DSI returned +23.44% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DSI annualized +9.69% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.9% for DSI. Worst drawdown: DSI -55.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DSI and QQQ?
DSI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 DSI and QQQ?
DSI and QQQ share 51 common holdings with a 42.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 454 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSI or QQQ?
DSI yields 0.87% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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