DWAS vs. QQQM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DWAS (Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF) and QQQM (Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DWAS is a Momentum fund tracking the Dorsey Wright SmallCap Technical Leaders Index, while QQQM is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DWAS returned 6.84%/yr vs 16.11%/yr for QQQM. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DWAS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QQQM.

Performance

DWAS vs. QQQM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DWAS achieves a 24.87% return, which is significantly higher than QQQM's 16.48% return.

DWAS

• 1D: -1.80%
• 1M: 6.39%
• YTD: 24.87%
• 6M: 21.56%
• 1Y: 45.00%
• 3Y*: 17.62%
• 5Y*: 6.84%
• 10Y*: 13.88%

QQQM

• 1D: -3.30%
• 1M: -0.42%
• YTD: 16.48%
• 6M: 15.00%
• 1Y: 34.99%
• 3Y*: 26.15%
• 5Y*: 16.11%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DWAS vs. QQQM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DWAS Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF	24.87%	6.09%	9.81%	16.88%	-18.51%	19.75%	14.80%
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	16.48%	20.85%	25.68%	55.01%	-32.52%	27.45%	6.64%

Correlation

The correlation between DWAS and QQQM is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2020	0.66

The correlation between DWAS and QQQM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

DWAS vs. QQQM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DWAS	QQQM
Healthcare	25.9%	3.7%
Technology	20.9%	58.7%
Industrials	18.0%	2.6%
Financial Services	13.3%	0.2%
Energy	6.5%	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.9%	11.4%
Basic Materials	3.9%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	6.4%
Real Estate	1.2%	0.1%
Communication Services	1.1%	14.3%
Utilities	0.3%	1.2%

Return for Risk

DWAS vs. QQQM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DWAS

DWAS Risk / Return Rank: 67
DWAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
DWAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
DWAS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DWAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
DWAS Martin Ratio Rank: 79

QQQM

QQQM Risk / Return Rank: 60
QQQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QQQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
QQQM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
QQQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQM Martin Ratio Rank: 62

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DWAS vs. QQQM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM). 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.

	DWAS	QQQM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	1.97	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.58	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.35	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.51	2.94	+1.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.54	10.88	+3.66

DWAS vs. QQQM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DWAS Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the QQQM Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DWAS and QQQM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DWAS vs. QQQM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DWAS drawdown since its inception was -46.16%, which is greater than QQQM's maximum drawdown of -35.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DWAS and QQQM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DWAS	QQQM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.16%	-35.04%	-11.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.02%	-11.96%	+1.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.83%	-22.70%	-11.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.83%	-35.04%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.16%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.80%	-4.24%	+2.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.27%	-8.20%	-2.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	3.22%	-0.12%

Volatility

DWAS vs. QQQM - Volatility Comparison

Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF (DWAS) and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (QQQM) have volatilities of 8.88% and 9.00%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	DWAS	QQQM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.88%	9.00%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.12%	14.43%	+3.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.99%	17.85%	+6.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.86%	22.53%	+3.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.69%	22.30%	+4.39%

DWAS vs. QQQM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DWAS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQM's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

DWAS vs. QQQM - Dividend Comparison

DWAS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QQQM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.44%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DWAS Invesco DWA SmallCap Momentum ETF	0.00%	0.07%	0.79%	1.42%	0.81%	0.16%	0.21%	0.13%	0.04%	0.20%	0.52%	0.19%
QQQM Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF	0.44%	0.50%	0.61%	0.65%	0.83%	0.40%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DWAS and QQQM in my portfolio?

DWAS and QQQM have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DWAS or QQQM?

QQQM has higher volatility (9.00%) compared to DWAS (8.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DWAS dropped -46.16% vs QQQM's -35.04%.

Which ETF is better, DWAS or QQQM?

On 5-year performance, QQQM leads with 16.11% vs 6.84% for DWAS. On fees, QQQM is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, DWAS has been the lower-risk option at 8.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DWAS or QQQM?

Over the 5-year period, QQQM has performed better with a 16.11% return vs 6.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DWAS or QQQM?

QQQM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for DWAS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DWAS or QQQM?

QQQM has the higher dividend yield at 0.44%, compared with 0.00% for DWAS.

What is the main difference between DWAS and QQQM?

DWAS is categorized as Momentum, while QQQM is Nasdaq-100. DWAS tracks Dorsey Wright SmallCap Technical Leaders Index, while QQQM tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for DWAS and 0.15% for QQQM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.89), 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.