NUSC vs QQQ
NUSC vs QQQ
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. NUSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUSC offers more diversification with 433 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 440 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.96% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.45% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.29% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUSC vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUSC returned +30.45% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, NUSC is up 16.96% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.29% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.97% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +10.14%. 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 21.4% for NUSC. 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 -41.5% for NUSC 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC 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, NUSC currently yields 0.90% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUSC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 536 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, NUSC or QQQ?
NUSC 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, NUSC or QQQ?
Over the past year NUSC returned +30.45% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so NUSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +10.14% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 21.4% for NUSC. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUSC and QQQ?
NUSC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and QQQ?
NUSC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or QQQ?
NUSC yields 0.90% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NUSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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