NUMG vs QQQ
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth 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 | NUMG | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $343M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.04% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.04% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.35% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.39% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUMG vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen ESG Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NUMG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUMG returned +4.04% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, NUMG is up 2.04% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUMG compounded at +7.35% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.39% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +9.59%. 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 NUMG. 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 -39.0% for NUMG 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUMG charges 0.31% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $18 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUMG currently yields 0.01% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUMG and QQQ share 5 holdings out of 141 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUMG or QQQ?
NUMG has an expense ratio of 0.31% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUMG or QQQ?
Over the past year NUMG returned +4.04% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUMG annualized +9.59% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUMG or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.7% for NUMG. Worst drawdown: NUMG -39.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUMG and QQQ?
NUMG and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUMG and QQQ?
NUMG and QQQ share 5 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUMG or QQQ?
NUMG yields 0.01% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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