FMN vs QQQ
Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $16M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.29% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 150 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +3.05% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.69% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.70% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.57% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Federated Hermes | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2002 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FMN vs QQQ Performance
Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund (FMN) is a ETF from Federated Hermes and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FMN returned +8.69% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, FMN is up 3.05% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, FMN compounded at +6.70% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -2.57% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs -0.23%. 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 14.7% for FMN. 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 -53.4% for FMN 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMN charges 0.75% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $18 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMN currently yields 4.29% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FMN and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 188 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, FMN or QQQ?
FMN has an expense ratio of 0.75% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMN or QQQ?
Over the past year FMN returned +8.69% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), FMN annualized -0.23% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMN or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.7% for FMN. Worst drawdown: FMN -53.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FMN and QQQ?
FMN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMN and QQQ?
FMN and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 188 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMN or QQQ?
FMN yields 4.29% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so FMN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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