NSCR vs QQQ
NSCR vs QQQ
Nuveen Sustainable Core 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 | NSCR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $6M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -17.77% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.55% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NSCR vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Sustainable Core ETF (NSCR) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NSCR returned +10.55% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, NSCR is down 17.77% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 14.6% for NSCR. 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 -20.8% for NSCR 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSCR charges 0.45% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $18 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NSCR currently yields 2.07% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NSCR and QQQ share 19 holdings out of 142 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NSCR | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 6.48% | 7.46% | 0.98% |
| NVDA | 5.03% | 7.88% | 2.85% |
| MSFT | 7.19% | 4.65% | 2.54% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings NSCR shares with QQQ Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSCR or QQQ?
NSCR has an expense ratio of 0.45% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NSCR or QQQ?
Over the past year NSCR returned +10.55% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NSCR annualized +3.19% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSCR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.6% for NSCR. Worst drawdown: NSCR -20.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NSCR and QQQ?
NSCR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NSCR and QQQ?
NSCR and QQQ share 19 common holdings with a 39.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSCR or QQQ?
NSCR yields 2.07% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NSCR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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