TRIEX vs. QQQX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TRIEX (Nuveen International Equity Index Fund Retirement Class) and QQQX (Nuveen Nasdaq 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund) are both mutual funds - TRIEX is a International Equity fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index, while QQQX is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Nuveen. TRIEX is passively managed, while QQQX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, TRIEX returned 9.96%/yr vs 13.43%/yr for QQQX. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TRIEX charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for QQQX.

Performance

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nuveen International Equity Index Fund Retirement Class (TRIEX) and Nuveen Nasdaq 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (QQQX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRIEX achieves a 10.66% return, which is significantly higher than QQQX's 7.43% return. Over the past 10 years, TRIEX has underperformed QQQX with an annualized return of 9.96%, while QQQX has yielded a comparatively higher 13.43% annualized return.

TRIEX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 10.66%
• 6M: 10.12%
• 1Y: 24.18%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 9.04%
• 10Y*: 9.96%

QQQX

• 1D: -2.09%
• 1M: -2.20%
• YTD: 7.43%
• 6M: 7.82%
• 1Y: 25.88%
• 3Y*: 14.83%
• 5Y*: 8.34%
• 10Y*: 13.43%

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

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TRIEX Nuveen International Equity Index Fund Retirement Class	10.66%	31.24%	3.41%	17.93%	-14.44%	11.08%	7.85%	21.58%	-13.56%	25.06%
QQQX Nuveen Nasdaq 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund	7.43%	14.87%	25.61%	21.68%	-27.39%	25.32%	15.75%	28.83%	-11.68%	39.19%

Correlation

The correlation between TRIEX and QQQX is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2007	0.60

The correlation between TRIEX and QQQX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TRIEX vs. QQQX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRIEX

TRIEX Risk / Return Rank: 37
TRIEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
TRIEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
TRIEX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
TRIEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
TRIEX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

QQQX

QQQX Risk / Return Rank: 50
QQQX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
QQQX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
QQQX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
QQQX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
QQQX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nuveen International Equity Index Fund Retirement Class (TRIEX) and Nuveen Nasdaq 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (QQQX). 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.

	TRIEX	QQQX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	1.72	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.31	2.45	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	2.85	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.28	12.24	-3.95

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRIEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the QQQX Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRIEX and QQQX, 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

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRIEX drawdown since its inception was -60.73%, which is greater than QQQX's maximum drawdown of -57.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRIEX and QQQX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRIEX	QQQX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.73%	-57.25%	-3.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.37%	-9.11%	-2.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.55%	-22.80%	+9.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-29.33%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.96%	-35.96%	+2.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.62%	+5.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.42%	-8.01%	-3.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	2.12%	+0.93%

Volatility

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Nuveen International Equity Index Fund Retirement Class (TRIEX) is 4.82%, while Nuveen Nasdaq 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (QQQX) has a volatility of 6.07%. This indicates that TRIEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRIEX	QQQX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.82%	6.07%	-1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.94%	12.46%	+0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.59%	15.14%	+0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.19%	19.94%	-3.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	21.11%	-4.48%

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRIEX has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQX's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRIEX vs. QQQX - Dividend Comparison

TRIEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, less than QQQX's 8.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQX Nuveen Nasdaq 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund	8.45%	7.85%	6.73%	7.26%	9.66%	5.85%	6.00%	6.49%	8.40%	5.95%	7.54%	7.23%
TRIEX Nuveen International Equity Index Fund Retirement Class	3.22%	3.57%	2.84%	2.83%	2.49%	2.69%	1.70%	2.78%	3.05%	2.51%	2.65%	2.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRIEX and QQQX in my portfolio?

TRIEX and QQQX have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TRIEX or QQQX?

QQQX has higher volatility (6.07%) compared to TRIEX (4.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRIEX dropped -60.73% vs QQQX's -57.25%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 1.63), 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.