NFRA vs QQQ
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NFRA offers more diversification with 217 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NFRA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.67% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.90% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.42% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.96% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 8, 2013 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NFRA vs QQQ Performance
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NFRA returned +11.42% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NFRA is up 9.90% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, NFRA compounded at +13.96% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +5.97% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +5.42%. 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 12.6% for NFRA. 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 -32.9% for NFRA 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFRA charges 0.47% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $18 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFRA currently yields 5.67% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NFRA and QQQ share 9 holdings out of 268 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFRA or QQQ?
NFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFRA or QQQ?
Over the past year NFRA returned +11.42% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NFRA annualized +5.42% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFRA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.6% for NFRA. Worst drawdown: NFRA -32.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NFRA and QQQ?
NFRA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFRA and QQQ?
NFRA and QQQ share 9 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 268 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFRA or QQQ?
NFRA yields 5.67% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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