NERD vs QQQ
Roundhill Video Games 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NERD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $15M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -8.59% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -17.11% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.19% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.63% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Roundhill Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2019 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NERD vs QQQ Performance
Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NERD returned -17.11% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, NERD is down 8.59% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, NERD compounded at +15.19% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -3.63% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +6.37%. 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 22.6% for NERD. 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 -65.6% for NERD 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NERD charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NERD currently yields 1.40% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NERD or QQQ?
NERD has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NERD or QQQ?
Over the past year NERD returned -17.11% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), NERD annualized +6.37% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NERD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 22.6% for NERD. Worst drawdown: NERD -65.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NERD and QQQ?
NERD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NERD and QQQ?
NERD and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NERD or QQQ?
NERD yields 1.40% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NERD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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