NSI vs QQQ
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. NSI delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NSI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $42M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.95% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | National Security Index | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NSI vs QQQ Performance
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) is a ETF from National Security Index and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NSI returned +29.09% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NSI is up 11.95% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 13.1% for NSI. 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 -16.6% for NSI 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSI 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, NSI currently yields 1.23% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NSI or QQQ?
NSI 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, NSI or QQQ?
Over the past year NSI returned +29.09% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so NSI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NSI annualized +20.80% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.1% for NSI. Worst drawdown: NSI -16.6% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NSI and QQQ?
NSI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NSI and QQQ?
NSI and QQQ share 2 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 199 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSI or QQQ?
NSI yields 1.23% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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