NSI vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NSI (National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NSI is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Alerian National Security Emerging Markets Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NSI returned 34.20% vs 34.88% for QQQ. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NSI charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

NSI vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) 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, NSI achieves a 12.82% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 16.45% return.

NSI

• 1D: -3.73%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 12.82%
• 6M: 13.56%
• 1Y: 34.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

NSI vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	12.82%	35.94%	-1.21%	4.94%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.45%	20.77%	25.58%	6.62%

Correlation

The correlation between NSI and QQQ is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.69

The correlation between NSI and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NSI vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSI

NSI Risk / Return Rank: 54
NSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
NSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
NSI Omega Ratio Rank: 54
NSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
NSI Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

NSI vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) 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.

	NSI	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	1.95	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.57	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.35	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	2.93	-0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.95	10.86	-1.92

NSI vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSI Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSI 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

NSI vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSI drawdown since its inception was -18.77%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSI and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSI	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.77%	-82.97%	+64.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.66%	-11.96%	-1.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.77%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.47%	-4.25%	-1.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.66%	-32.73%	+29.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.83%	3.22%	+0.61%

Volatility

NSI vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 9.61% and 9.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSI	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.61%	9.17%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.60%	14.57%	+3.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.16%	17.96%	+2.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.78%	22.69%	-3.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.78%	22.42%	-3.64%

NSI vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSI has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSI vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

NSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	1.22%	1.69%	3.39%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 NSI and QQQ in my portfolio?

NSI and QQQ have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSI or QQQ?

NSI has higher volatility (9.61%) compared to QQQ (9.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSI dropped -18.77% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, NSI or QQQ?

On 1-year performance, QQQ leads with 34.88% vs 34.20% for NSI. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 9.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NSI or QQQ?

Over the 1-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 34.88% return vs 34.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSI or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for NSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NSI or QQQ?

NSI has the higher dividend yield at 1.22%, compared with 0.43% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between NSI and QQQ?

NSI is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. NSI tracks Alerian National Security Emerging Markets Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Tuttle and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for NSI and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.71), 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.