NIM vs QQQ
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NIM offers more diversification with 537 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NIM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 537 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.26% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.11% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.37% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.21% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 1992 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NIM vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Select Maturities Municipal Fund (NIM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NIM returned +5.11% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NIM is up 2.26% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, NIM compounded at +5.37% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.21% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs -0.10%. 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 8.8% for NIM. 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 -30.4% for NIM 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIM charges 0.56% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $18 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIM currently yields 3.54% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIM or QQQ?
NIM has an expense ratio of 0.56% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIM or QQQ?
Over the past year NIM returned +5.11% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), NIM annualized -0.10% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.8% for NIM. Worst drawdown: NIM -30.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NIM and QQQ?
NIM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIM or QQQ?
NIM yields 3.54% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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