NMAI vs QQQ
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NMAI offers more diversification with 1,312 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NMAI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.87% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.58% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,312 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +18.01% | +17.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.18% | +26.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.61% | +26.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 22, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NMAI vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Multi-Asset Income Fund (NMAI) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NMAI returned +26.18% while QQQ returned +26.39%. Year to date, NMAI is up 18.01% versus a gain of 17.07% for QQQ.
Over three years, NMAI compounded at +20.61% per year against +26.08% for QQQ. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.05% annualized vs +6.69%. 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 18.8% for NMAI. 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 -35.6% for NMAI 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NMAI charges 1.87% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $187 vs $18 annually, a gap of $169 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NMAI currently yields 9.58% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NMAI and QQQ share 43 holdings out of 723 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NMAI or QQQ?
NMAI has an expense ratio of 1.87% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $169 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NMAI or QQQ?
Over the past year NMAI returned +26.18% vs +26.39% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NMAI annualized +6.69% vs +13.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NMAI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.8% for NMAI. Worst drawdown: NMAI -35.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NMAI and QQQ?
NMAI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NMAI and QQQ?
NMAI and QQQ share 43 common holdings with a 17.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 723 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NMAI or QQQ?
NMAI yields 9.58% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NMAI 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.