NUSA vs QQQ
NUSA vs QQQ
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
NUSA has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUSA offers more diversification with 241 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $34M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 321 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.33% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.19% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.17% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.41% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUSA vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen ESG 1-5 Year US Aggregate Bond ETF (NUSA) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUSA returned +2.19% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, NUSA is up 0.33% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUSA compounded at +4.17% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.41% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +0.95%. 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 2.5% for NUSA. 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 -9.9% for NUSA 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSA charges 0.14% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $18 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSA currently yields 3.85% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUSA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 344 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, NUSA or QQQ?
NUSA has an expense ratio of 0.14% while QQQ charges 0.18%. NUSA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSA or QQQ?
Over the past year NUSA returned +2.19% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUSA annualized +0.95% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 2.5% for NUSA. Worst drawdown: NUSA -9.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUSA and QQQ?
NUSA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSA and QQQ?
NUSA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 344 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSA or QQQ?
NUSA yields 3.85% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NUSA 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.