DBE vs. QQQ
DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBE returned 10.12%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for QQQ. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DBE charges 0.78%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.
Performance
DBE vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, DBE achieves a 53.97% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 16.45% return. Over the past 10 years, DBE has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 10.12%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.07% annualized return.
DBE
- 1D
- -0.63%
- 1M
- -16.23%
- YTD
- 53.97%
- 6M
- 50.93%
- 1Y
- 43.95%
- 3Y*
- 16.83%
- 5Y*
- 14.66%
- 10Y*
- 10.12%
QQQ
- 1D
- -3.29%
- 1M
- -0.43%
- YTD
- 16.45%
- 6M
- 14.99%
- 1Y
- 34.88%
- 3Y*
- 26.05%
- 5Y*
- 16.01%
- 10Y*
- 22.07%
DBE vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 53.97% | -2.17% | 2.96% | -12.14% | 33.77% | 57.56% | -25.91% | 19.72% | -12.95% | 5.21% |
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF | 16.45% | 20.77% | 25.58% | 54.86% | -32.58% | 27.42% | 48.62% | 38.96% | -0.13% | 32.66% |
Correlation
The correlation between DBE and QQQ is -0.25, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.25 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.06 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.04 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.13 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2007 | 0.21 |
The correlation between DBE and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from -0.25 (1 year) to 0.21 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
DBE vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank
DBE
QQQ
DBE vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| DBE | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.68 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.73 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.35 | -0.11 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.07 | 2.93 | -0.85 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.89 | 10.86 | -3.98 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
DBE vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum DBE drawdown since its inception was -86.69%, roughly equal to the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBE and QQQ.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| DBE | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -86.69% | -82.97% | -3.72% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -21.28% | -11.96% | -9.32% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -23.89% | -22.77% | -1.12% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -38.74% | -35.12% | -3.62% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -60.84% | -35.12% | -25.72% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -41.55% | -4.25% | -37.30% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -57.24% | -32.73% | -24.51% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 6.42% | 3.22% | +3.20% |
Volatility
DBE vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison
Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 9.37% and 9.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| DBE | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 9.37% | 9.17% | +0.20% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 31.44% | 14.57% | +16.87% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 35.27% | 17.96% | +17.31% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 29.58% | 22.69% | +6.89% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 28.34% | 22.42% | +5.92% |
DBE vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison
DBE has a 0.78% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.
Dividends
DBE vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison
DBE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 2.51% | 3.86% | 6.32% | 3.87% | 0.75% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.79% | 1.67% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF | 0.43% | 0.45% | 0.56% | 0.62% | 0.80% | 0.43% | 0.55% | 0.74% | 0.91% | 0.84% | 1.06% | 0.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
DBE and QQQ have a correlation of -0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DBE has higher volatility (9.37%) compared to QQQ (9.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBE dropped -86.69% vs QQQ's -82.97%.
On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 22.07% vs 10.12% for DBE. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 9.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 22.07% return vs 10.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBE.
DBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 0.43% for QQQ.
DBE is categorized as Oil & Gas, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. DBE tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.78% for DBE and 0.18% for QQQ.
QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.27), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for DBE and QQQ
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer