QQQE vs. DFIV

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

QQQE (Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares) and DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQE is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index, while DFIV is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. QQQE is passively managed, while DFIV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, QQQE returned 17.04%/yr vs 23.38%/yr for DFIV. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQQE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFIV.

Performance

QQQE vs. DFIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQE achieves a 17.14% return, which is significantly higher than DFIV's 12.20% return.

QQQE

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 5.18%
• YTD: 17.14%
• 6M: 16.29%
• 1Y: 26.96%
• 3Y*: 17.04%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 15.61%

DFIV

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 1.88%
• YTD: 12.20%
• 6M: 13.92%
• 1Y: 34.38%
• 3Y*: 23.38%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQE vs. DFIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
QQQE Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares	17.14%	14.58%	6.98%	33.76%	-24.47%	2.00%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	12.20%	45.36%	7.26%	17.75%	-3.70%	0.50%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQE and DFIV is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021	0.62

The correlation between QQQE and DFIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQE vs. DFIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQE	DFIV
Technology	51.0%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	10.0%
Industrials	9.3%	9.8%
Communication Services	8.4%	4.3%
Healthcare	7.8%	4.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	4.9%
Utilities	3.4%	2.2%
Energy	1.7%	15.3%
Basic Materials	0.8%	11.4%
Financial Services	0.8%	32.4%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.7%

Return for Risk

QQQE vs. DFIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQE

QQQE Risk / Return Rank: 56
QQQE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
QQQE Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
QQQE Omega Ratio Rank: 52
QQQE Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQE Martin Ratio Rank: 58

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 82
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

QQQE vs. DFIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). 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.

	QQQE	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	2.39	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	3.26	-1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	3.48	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.95	13.34	-4.39

QQQE vs. DFIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQE Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is lower than the DFIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQE and DFIV, 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

QQQE vs. DFIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQE drawdown since its inception was -32.14%, which is greater than DFIV's maximum drawdown of -25.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQE and DFIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQE	DFIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.14%	-25.42%	-6.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-9.66%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.38%	-14.72%	-6.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.76%	-0.43%	-1.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.16%	-4.46%	-0.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.52%	+0.27%

Volatility

QQQE vs. DFIV - Volatility Comparison

Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares (QQQE) has a higher volatility of 7.04% compared to Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) at 4.50%. This indicates that QQQE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQE	DFIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.04%	4.50%	+2.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.12%	11.46%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.28%	14.10%	+1.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.45%	16.66%	+3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.79%	16.66%	+4.13%

QQQE vs. DFIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than DFIV's 0.27% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQE vs. DFIV - Dividend Comparison

QQQE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, less than DFIV's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.54%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQE Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index Shares	0.53%	0.52%	0.86%	0.79%	0.98%	3.83%	0.54%	0.74%	0.80%	0.65%	1.17%	0.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQE and DFIV in my portfolio?

QQQE and DFIV have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQE or DFIV?

QQQE has higher volatility (7.04%) compared to DFIV (4.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQE dropped -32.14% vs DFIV's -25.42%.

Which ETF is better, QQQE or DFIV?

On 3-year performance, DFIV leads with 23.38% vs 17.04% for QQQE. On fees, DFIV is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, DFIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQE or DFIV?

Over the 3-year period, DFIV has performed better with a 23.38% return vs 17.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQE or DFIV?

DFIV is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for QQQE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQQE or DFIV?

DFIV has the higher dividend yield at 2.54%, compared with 0.53% for QQQE.

What is the main difference between QQQE and DFIV?

QQQE is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while DFIV is Foreign Large Cap Equities. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for QQQE and 0.27% for DFIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.63), 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.