NIKL vs QQQ
Sprott Nickel Miners 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 | NIKL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $57M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -12.27% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.09% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.20% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NIKL vs QQQ Performance
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NIKL returned +21.09% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, NIKL is down 12.27% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, NIKL compounded at -1.20% per year against +25.75% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs -2.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.9% 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 -59.0% for NIKL 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIKL charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIKL currently yields 3.07% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NIKL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 128 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, NIKL or QQQ?
NIKL has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIKL or QQQ?
Over the past year NIKL returned +21.09% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NIKL annualized -2.26% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIKL or QQQ?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.9% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: NIKL -59.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NIKL and QQQ?
NIKL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIKL and QQQ?
NIKL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIKL or QQQ?
NIKL yields 3.07% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NIKL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.