JLS vs QQQ
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. JLS offers more diversification with 148 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JLS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.41% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.35% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.08% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.71% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 25, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JLS vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year JLS returned +1.35% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, JLS is up 1.41% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, JLS compounded at +12.08% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.71% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +0.56%. 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 10.8% for JLS. 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 -51.2% for JLS 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JLS charges 1.62% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $162 vs $18 annually, a gap of $144 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JLS currently yields 9.78% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JLS or QQQ?
JLS has an expense ratio of 1.62% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $144 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JLS or QQQ?
Over the past year JLS returned +1.35% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), JLS annualized +0.56% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JLS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.8% for JLS. Worst drawdown: JLS -51.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JLS and QQQ?
JLS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, JLS or QQQ?
JLS yields 9.78% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so JLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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