MIDU vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. MIDU delivered stronger 1-year returns. MIDU offers more diversification with 401 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: MIDUMore Diversified: MIDU

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMIDUQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.98%0.18%
AUM$71M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.48%0.41%
Holdings406108
YTD Return+34.98%+14.45%
1Y Return+54.74%+24.70%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.68%+24.19%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.68%+14.49%
Volatility (annualized)53.4%30.6%
Max Drawdown-86.5%-83.0%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 8, 2009Mar 10, 1999

MIDU vs QQQ Performance

Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X ETF (MIDU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MIDU returned +54.74% while QQQ returned +24.70%. Year to date, MIDU is up 34.98% versus a gain of 14.45% for QQQ.

Over three years, MIDU compounded at +19.68% per year against +24.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.68% and +14.49% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, MIDU has the edge at +16.52% annualized vs +12.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MIDU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.4% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -86.5% for MIDU 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MIDU charges 0.98% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $18 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MIDU currently yields 0.48% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MIDU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 504 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, MIDU or QQQ?

MIDU has an expense ratio of 0.98% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MIDU or QQQ?

Over the past year MIDU returned +54.74% vs +24.70% for QQQ, so MIDU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), MIDU annualized +16.52% vs +12.98% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MIDU or QQQ?

MIDU has been the more volatile fund at 53.4% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MIDU -86.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both MIDU and QQQ?

MIDU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MIDU and QQQ?

MIDU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MIDU or QQQ?

MIDU yields 0.48% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MIDU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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