JQC vs SPY
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JQC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.71% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 471 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.61% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.15% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.48% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.99% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2003 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JQC vs SPY Performance
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (JQC) is a ETF from Nuveen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JQC returned -2.15% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, JQC is up 2.61% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, JQC compounded at +10.48% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.99% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -2.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JQC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JQC charges 5.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $548 vs $9 annually, a gap of $539 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JQC currently yields 11.71% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JQC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 768 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 SPY?
JQC has an expense ratio of 5.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $539 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JQC or SPY?
Over the past year JQC returned -2.15% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), JQC annualized -2.31% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JQC or SPY?
JQC has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JQC -81.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JQC and SPY?
JQC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JQC and SPY?
JQC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 768 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JQC or SPY?
JQC yields 11.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JQC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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