JCE vs QQQ
JCE vs QQQ
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. JCE offers more diversification with 117 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JCE | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +12.32% | +16.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.58% | +26.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.16% | +24.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +14.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JCE vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year JCE returned +19.58% while QQQ returned +26.58%. Year to date, JCE is up 12.32% versus a gain of 16.83% for QQQ.
Over three years, JCE compounded at +19.16% per year against +24.70% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.76% and +14.88% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +2.20%. 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 20.7% for JCE. 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 -64.9% for JCE 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JCE charges 1.02% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $18 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JCE currently yields 7.72% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
JCE and QQQ share 29 holdings out of 191 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JCE | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.48% | 7.88% | 0.60% |
| AAPL | 7.13% | 7.46% | 0.33% |
| MSFT | 5.96% | 4.65% | 1.31% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings JCE shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JCE or QQQ?
JCE has an expense ratio of 1.02% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JCE or QQQ?
Over the past year JCE returned +19.58% vs +26.58% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), JCE annualized +2.20% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JCE or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.7% for JCE. Worst drawdown: JCE -64.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JCE and QQQ?
JCE and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JCE and QQQ?
JCE and QQQ share 29 common holdings with a 46.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JCE or QQQ?
JCE yields 7.72% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so JCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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