NEAR vs QQQ
iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NEAR offers more diversification with 1,622 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NEAR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.43% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,622 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.11% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.41% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.37% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.37% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NEAR vs QQQ Performance
iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF (NEAR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NEAR returned +0.41% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NEAR is down 1.11% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, NEAR compounded at +4.37% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.37% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +2.20%. 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 1.6% for NEAR. 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 -9.6% for NEAR 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NEAR 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, NEAR currently yields 4.43% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NEAR and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 929 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NEAR | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMUS | 0.13% | 0.82% | 0.69% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NEAR or QQQ?
NEAR 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, NEAR or QQQ?
Over the past year NEAR returned +0.41% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NEAR annualized +2.20% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NEAR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.6% for NEAR. Worst drawdown: NEAR -9.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NEAR and QQQ?
NEAR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NEAR and QQQ?
NEAR and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 929 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NEAR or QQQ?
NEAR yields 4.43% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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