JQC vs QQQ
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. JQC offers more diversification with 471 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JQC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.48% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.71% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 471 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.61% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.15% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.48% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.99% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2003 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JQC vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (JQC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year JQC returned -2.15% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, JQC is up 2.61% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, JQC compounded at +10.48% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.99% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -2.31%. 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 16.8% for JQC. 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 -81.3% for JQC 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JQC charges 5.48% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $548 vs $18 annually, a gap of $530 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JQC currently yields 11.71% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
JQC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 366 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, JQC or QQQ?
JQC has an expense ratio of 5.48% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $530 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JQC or QQQ?
Over the past year JQC returned -2.15% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), JQC annualized -2.31% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JQC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 16.8% for JQC. Worst drawdown: JQC -81.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JQC and QQQ?
JQC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JQC and QQQ?
JQC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 366 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JQC or QQQ?
JQC yields 11.71% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so JQC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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