DSU vs QQQ
DSU vs QQQ
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. DSU offers more diversification with 898 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.72% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $619M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.34% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 1,281 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.94% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.25% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.69% | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 1998 | Mar 10, 1999 |
DSU vs QQQ Performance
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. (DSU) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year DSU returned +0.25% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, DSU is down 0.94% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, DSU compounded at +8.99% per year against +22.30% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.69% and +14.24% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs -2.26%. 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 18.0% for DSU. 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 -84.1% for DSU 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSU charges 1.72% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $172 vs $18 annually, a gap of $154 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSU currently yields 12.34% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
DSU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 1001 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, DSU or QQQ?
DSU has an expense ratio of 1.72% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $154 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSU or QQQ?
Over the past year DSU returned +0.25% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), DSU annualized -2.26% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.0% for DSU. Worst drawdown: DSU -84.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both DSU and QQQ?
DSU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSU and QQQ?
DSU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1001 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSU or QQQ?
DSU yields 12.34% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so DSU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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