NAIL vs QQQ
Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NAIL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $585M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -23.89% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | -49.56% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -15.67% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -14.12% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 86.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NAIL vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X ETF (NAIL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NAIL returned -49.56% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, NAIL is down 23.89% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, NAIL compounded at -15.67% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -14.12% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +0.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NAIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 86.9% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -93.8% for NAIL 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
NAIL charges 0.96% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $18 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NAIL currently yields 0.83% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NAIL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 151 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, NAIL or QQQ?
NAIL has an expense ratio of 0.96% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NAIL or QQQ?
Over the past year NAIL returned -49.56% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), NAIL annualized +0.04% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NAIL or QQQ?
NAIL has been the more volatile fund at 86.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: NAIL -93.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NAIL and QQQ?
NAIL 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 NAIL and QQQ?
NAIL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NAIL or QQQ?
NAIL yields 0.83% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NAIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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