CIF vs QQQ
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. CIF offers more diversification with 285 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CIF | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.05% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $31M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 360 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.12% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.67% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.54% | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 1988 | Mar 10, 1999 |
CIF vs QQQ Performance
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund (CIF) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, CIF is down 1.12% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Over three years, CIF compounded at +10.23% per year against +26.25% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -3.54% and +15.39% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.15% annualized vs -3.07%. 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 19.3% for CIF. 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 -87.0% for CIF 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CIF charges 2.05% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $205 vs $18 annually, a gap of $187 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CIF currently yields 9.78% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
CIF and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 388 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, CIF or QQQ?
CIF has an expense ratio of 2.05% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $187 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CIF or QQQ?
Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), CIF annualized -3.07% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CIF or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 19.3% for CIF. Worst drawdown: CIF -87.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both CIF and QQQ?
CIF and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CIF and QQQ?
CIF and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 388 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CIF or QQQ?
CIF yields 9.78% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so CIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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