JRI vs QQQ
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. JRI offers more diversification with 413 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JRI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.97% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.87% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 413 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.87% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.42% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.20% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.86% | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Mar 10, 1999 |
JRI vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Real Asset Income and Growth Fund (JRI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year JRI returned +5.42% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, JRI is down 0.87% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, JRI compounded at +17.20% per year against +26.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.86% and +15.34% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +0.99%. 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 20.1% for JRI. 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 -64.3% for JRI 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JRI charges 3.97% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $397 vs $18 annually, a gap of $379 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JRI currently yields 11.87% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
JRI and QQQ share 3 holdings out of 346 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JRI or QQQ?
JRI has an expense ratio of 3.97% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $379 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JRI or QQQ?
Over the past year JRI returned +5.42% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), JRI annualized +0.99% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JRI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.1% for JRI. Worst drawdown: JRI -64.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both JRI and QQQ?
JRI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JRI and QQQ?
JRI and QQQ share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 346 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JRI or QQQ?
JRI yields 11.87% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so JRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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