NUEM vs QQQ
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUEM offers more diversification with 166 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUEM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $367M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.06% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.46% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.28% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.41% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2017 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUEM vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUEM returned +26.46% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, NUEM is up 16.06% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUEM compounded at +19.28% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +6.41% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs +7.93%. 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 17.4% for NUEM. 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 -39.5% for NUEM 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUEM charges 0.36% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $18 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUEM currently yields 3.07% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUEM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 269 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUEM or QQQ?
NUEM has an expense ratio of 0.36% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUEM or QQQ?
Over the past year NUEM returned +26.46% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUEM annualized +7.93% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUEM or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 17.4% for NUEM. Worst drawdown: NUEM -39.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUEM and QQQ?
NUEM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUEM and QQQ?
NUEM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 269 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUEM or QQQ?
NUEM yields 3.07% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so NUEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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