NCPB vs QQQ
NCPB vs QQQ
Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NCPB offers more diversification with 366 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NCPB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $55M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 476 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.03% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.10% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NCPB vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Core Plus Bond ETF (NCPB) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NCPB returned +3.10% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, NCPB is up 0.03% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.4% for NCPB. 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 -2.9% for NCPB 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NCPB charges 0.31% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $18 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NCPB currently yields 5.17% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NCPB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 469 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, NCPB or QQQ?
NCPB has an expense ratio of 0.31% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NCPB or QQQ?
Over the past year NCPB returned +3.10% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NCPB annualized +6.09% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NCPB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.4% for NCPB. Worst drawdown: NCPB -2.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NCPB and QQQ?
NCPB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NCPB and QQQ?
NCPB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 469 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NCPB or QQQ?
NCPB yields 5.17% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NCPB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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