NSCS vs QQQ
Nuveen Small Cap Select 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 | NSCS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $7M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -6.06% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.63% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.00% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NSCS vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Small Cap Select ETF (NSCS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NSCS returned +4.63% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NSCS is down 6.06% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, NSCS compounded at +10.00% per year against +25.96% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.72%. 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 20.8% for NSCS. 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 -30.6% for NSCS 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
NSCS charges 0.86% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $18 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NSCS currently yields 0.31% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSCS or QQQ?
NSCS has an expense ratio of 0.86% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NSCS or QQQ?
Over the past year NSCS returned +4.63% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), NSCS annualized +1.72% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSCS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 20.8% for NSCS. Worst drawdown: NSCS -30.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NSCS and QQQ?
NSCS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSCS or QQQ?
NSCS yields 0.31% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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