NBSM vs. QQQJ

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

NBSM (Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF) and QQQJ (Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds. NBSM is actively managed, while QQQJ is passively managed. Over the past year, NBSM returned 13.10% vs 44.19% for QQQJ. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NBSM charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QQQJ.

Performance

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM) and Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBSM achieves a 9.35% return, which is significantly lower than QQQJ's 21.22% return.

NBSM

• 1D: 2.26%
• 1M: 6.32%
• YTD: 9.35%
• 6M: 8.20%
• 1Y: 13.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQJ

• 1D: 1.39%
• 1M: 9.09%
• YTD: 21.22%
• 6M: 21.53%
• 1Y: 44.19%
• 3Y*: 20.50%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBSM Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF	9.35%	-0.04%	0.03%
QQQJ Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF	21.22%	20.44%	9.02%

Correlation

The correlation between NBSM and QQQJ is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2024	0.77

The correlation between NBSM and QQQJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NBSM	QQQJ
Industrials	30.0%	11.1%
Technology	18.1%	40.4%
Financial Services	16.9%	2.0%
Healthcare	11.3%	18.7%
Energy	6.2%	1.0%
Utilities	5.8%	2.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.1%	11.3%
Communication Services	2.5%	7.8%
Real Estate	2.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.5%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.6%

Return for Risk

NBSM vs. QQQJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBSM

NBSM Risk / Return Rank: 26
NBSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
NBSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
NBSM Omega Ratio Rank: 23
NBSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
NBSM Martin Ratio Rank: 29

QQQJ

QQQJ Risk / Return Rank: 78
QQQJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
QQQJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
QQQJ Omega Ratio Rank: 75
QQQJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
QQQJ Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM) and Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ). 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.

	NBSM	QQQJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	2.34	-1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.40	3.11	-1.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.40	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	3.75	-2.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.89	15.60	-11.71

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBSM Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is lower than the QQQJ Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBSM and QQQJ, 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

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBSM drawdown since its inception was -25.16%, smaller than the maximum QQQJ drawdown of -39.57%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBSM and QQQJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBSM	QQQJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.16%	-39.57%	+14.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.12%	-11.84%	+1.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-39.57%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.73%	-2.30%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.35%	-15.64%	+8.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	2.84%	+0.54%

Volatility

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF (NBSM) is 4.55%, while Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ) has a volatility of 7.57%. This indicates that NBSM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBSM	QQQJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	7.57%	-3.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.93%	15.69%	-4.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.17%	18.95%	-3.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.08%	22.17%	-4.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.08%	22.12%	-4.04%

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBSM has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQJ's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBSM vs. QQQJ - Dividend Comparison

NBSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%, less than QQQJ's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
NBSM Neuberger Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.37%	0.40%	0.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQJ Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF	0.73%	0.85%	0.77%	0.67%	0.76%	0.91%	0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBSM and QQQJ in my portfolio?

NBSM and QQQJ have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBSM or QQQJ?

QQQJ has higher volatility (7.57%) compared to NBSM (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBSM dropped -25.16% vs QQQJ's -39.57%.

Which ETF is better, NBSM or QQQJ?

On 1-year performance, QQQJ leads with 44.19% vs 13.10% for NBSM. On fees, QQQJ is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, NBSM has been the lower-risk option at 4.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBSM or QQQJ?

Over the 1-year period, QQQJ has performed better with a 44.19% return vs 13.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBSM or QQQJ?

QQQJ is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for NBSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NBSM or QQQJ?

QQQJ has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.37% for NBSM.

What is the main difference between NBSM and QQQJ?

They also come from different issuers: Neuberger Berman and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for NBSM and 0.15% for QQQJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 0.87), 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.