NUAG vs QQQ
NUAG vs QQQ
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
NUAG has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUAG offers more diversification with 786 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUAG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $95M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 862 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.05% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.38% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.72% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUAG vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Enhanced Yield US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUAG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUAG returned +2.38% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, NUAG is down 0.05% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUAG compounded at +4.72% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +0.11%. 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 5.5% for NUAG. 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 -20.8% for NUAG 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUAG charges 0.16% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $18 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUAG currently yields 4.47% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUAG and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 889 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, NUAG or QQQ?
NUAG has an expense ratio of 0.16% while QQQ charges 0.18%. NUAG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUAG or QQQ?
Over the past year NUAG returned +2.38% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUAG annualized +0.11% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUAG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.5% for NUAG. Worst drawdown: NUAG -20.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUAG and QQQ?
NUAG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUAG and QQQ?
NUAG and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUAG or QQQ?
NUAG yields 4.47% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NUAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.