NUSB vs QQQ
Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
NUSB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUSB offers more diversification with 143 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $157M | $486.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 107 | |
| YTD Return | +2.44% | +15.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.99% | +26.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +24.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUSB vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Ultra Short Income ETF (NUSB) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUSB returned +3.99% while QQQ returned +26.00%. Year to date, NUSB is up 2.44% versus a gain of 15.95% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 0.7% for NUSB. 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 -0.3% for NUSB 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSB charges 0.17% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSB currently yields 4.28% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUSB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 164 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, NUSB or QQQ?
NUSB has an expense ratio of 0.17% while QQQ charges 0.18%. NUSB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSB or QQQ?
Over the past year NUSB returned +3.99% vs +26.00% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NUSB annualized +4.98% vs +12.99% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 0.7% for NUSB. Worst drawdown: NUSB -0.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUSB and QQQ?
NUSB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSB and QQQ?
NUSB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSB or QQQ?
NUSB yields 4.28% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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