NUGO vs QQQ
Nuveen Growth Opportunities 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 | NUGO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 46 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.60% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.57% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.98% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.63% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUGO vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUGO returned +16.57% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NUGO is up 8.60% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUGO compounded at +23.98% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.63% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.63%. 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 19.7% for NUGO. 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 -38.0% for NUGO 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGO charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGO currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUGO and QQQ share 28 holdings out of 119 unique holdings combined, representing a 50.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUGO or QQQ?
NUGO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGO or QQQ?
Over the past year NUGO returned +16.57% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUGO annualized +12.63% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.7% for NUGO. Worst drawdown: NUGO -38.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUGO and QQQ?
NUGO and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGO and QQQ?
NUGO and QQQ share 28 common holdings with a 50.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGO or QQQ?
NUGO yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ 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.