NASDX vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NASDX (Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both funds - NASDX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, NASDX returned 23.09%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for QQQ. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. NASDX charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

NASDX vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares (NASDX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NASDX achieves a 20.21% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 16.45% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with NASDX having a 23.09% annualized return and QQQ not far behind at 22.07%.

NASDX

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 3.00%
• YTD: 20.21%
• 6M: 18.70%
• 1Y: 39.39%
• 3Y*: 31.17%
• 5Y*: 18.92%
• 10Y*: 23.09%

QQQ

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 6M: 14.99%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 26.05%
• 5Y*: 16.01%
• 10Y*: 22.07%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NASDX vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NASDX Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares	20.21%	21.00%	36.91%	54.69%	-32.57%	27.32%	48.59%	38.22%	-1.21%	31.27%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.45%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between NASDX and QQQ is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 18, 2000	0.98

The correlation between NASDX and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NASDX vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

NASDX

NASDX Risk / Return Rank: 71
NASDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
NASDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
NASDX Omega Ratio Rank: 64
NASDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
NASDX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

NASDX vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares (NASDX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	NASDX	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	1.95	+0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	2.57	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.35	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.45	2.93	+0.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.98	10.86	+2.11

NASDX vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NASDX Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NASDX and QQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NASDX vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NASDX drawdown since its inception was -83.16%, roughly equal to the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NASDX and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	NASDX	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.16%	-82.97%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.90%	-11.96%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.71%	-22.77%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.33%	-35.12%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.33%	-35.12%	-0.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-4.25%	+3.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.30%	-32.73%	-1.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	3.22%	-0.06%

Volatility

NASDX vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares (NASDX) is 8.36%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 9.17%. This indicates that NASDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NASDX	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.36%	9.17%	-0.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.19%	14.57%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.74%	17.96%	-0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.29%	22.69%	+0.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.81%	22.42%	+0.39%

NASDX vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

NASDX has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

NASDX vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

NASDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.01%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NASDX Shelton Capital Management Nasdaq-100 Index Fund Direct Shares	3.01%	3.76%	16.95%	7.61%	3.75%	2.59%	1.28%	7.09%	2.47%	1.65%	0.75%	0.85%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NASDX and QQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, NASDX and QQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, NASDX or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (9.17%) compared to NASDX (8.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NASDX dropped -83.16% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NASDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.95), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.