NCIQ vs QQQ
Hashdex Nasdaq CME Crypto Index 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 | NCIQ | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $266M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -17.79% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -36.77% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Hashdex | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NCIQ vs QQQ Performance
Hashdex Nasdaq CME Crypto Index ETF (NCIQ) is a ETF from Hashdex and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NCIQ returned -36.77% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NCIQ is down 17.79% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NCIQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.2% 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 -57.0% for NCIQ 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NCIQ charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NCIQ currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NCIQ and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, NCIQ or QQQ?
NCIQ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NCIQ or QQQ?
Over the past year NCIQ returned -36.77% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NCIQ annualized -16.35% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NCIQ or QQQ?
NCIQ has been the more volatile fund at 43.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: NCIQ -57.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NCIQ and QQQ?
NCIQ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NCIQ and QQQ?
NCIQ and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NCIQ or QQQ?
NCIQ yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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