NULC vs QQQ
NULC vs QQQ
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NULC offers more diversification with 137 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NULC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.21% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $70M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 138 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.62% | +18.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +28.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +25.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.92% | +15.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NULC vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap ETF (NULC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NULC returned +22.88% while QQQ returned +28.94%. Year to date, NULC is up 16.62% versus a gain of 18.34% for QQQ.
Over three years, NULC compounded at +19.79% per year against +25.28% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.92% and +15.22% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, NULC has the edge at +15.64% annualized vs +13.12%. 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 16.9% for NULC. 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 -34.9% for NULC 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NULC charges 0.21% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $21 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NULC currently yields 0.91% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NULC and QQQ share 35 holdings out of 205 unique holdings combined, representing a 35.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NULC | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 8.01% | 7.88% | 0.13% |
| MSFT | 3.07% | 4.65% | 1.58% |
| AVGO | 3.76% | 2.91% | 0.85% |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PANW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings NULC 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, NULC or QQQ?
NULC has an expense ratio of 0.21% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULC or QQQ?
Over the past year NULC returned +22.88% vs +28.94% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NULC annualized +15.64% vs +13.12% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.9% for NULC. Worst drawdown: NULC -34.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NULC and QQQ?
NULC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between NULC and QQQ?
NULC and QQQ share 35 common holdings with a 35.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 205 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULC or QQQ?
NULC yields 0.91% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NULC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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