DSL vs QQQ
DSL vs QQQ
DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.46% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 512 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.29% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.04% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.42% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | DoubleLine Funds | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 26, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DSL vs QQQ Performance
DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund (DSL) is a ETF from DoubleLine Funds and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DSL returned -1.04% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, DSL is up 2.29% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, DSL compounded at +6.42% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.12% annualized vs -1.88%. 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 15.7% for DSL. 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 -58.7% for DSL 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSL charges 3.20% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $18 annually, a gap of $302 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSL currently yields 11.46% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DSL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 108 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSL or QQQ?
DSL has an expense ratio of 3.20% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $302 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSL or QQQ?
Over the past year DSL returned -1.04% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DSL annualized -1.88% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 15.7% for DSL. Worst drawdown: DSL -58.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DSL and QQQ?
DSL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSL and QQQ?
DSL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 108 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSL or QQQ?
DSL yields 11.46% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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