NUV vs QQQ
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Inc. vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUV offers more diversification with 456 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUV | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | - | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +1.42% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.74% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.74% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.32% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 1987 | Mar 10, 1999 |
NUV vs QQQ Performance
Nuveen Municipal Value Fund Inc. (NUV) is a ETF from Nuveen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year NUV returned +8.74% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, NUV is up 1.42% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, NUV compounded at +6.74% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.32% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.36%. 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 8.3% for NUV. 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 -28.3% for NUV 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUV charges 0.66% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $18 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUV currently yields 4.34% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
NUV and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 318 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, NUV or QQQ?
NUV has an expense ratio of 0.66% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUV or QQQ?
Over the past year NUV returned +8.74% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), NUV annualized +0.36% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUV or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 8.3% for NUV. Worst drawdown: NUV -28.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both NUV and QQQ?
NUV and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUV and QQQ?
NUV and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 318 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUV or QQQ?
NUV yields 4.34% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so NUV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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