HIMU vs QQQ
iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HIMU offers more diversification with 909 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HIMU | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.08% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 909 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.00% | +19.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.12% | +26.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HIMU vs QQQ Performance
iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF (HIMU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HIMU returned +4.12% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, HIMU is up 0.00% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 5.9% for HIMU. 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 -8.0% for HIMU 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIMU charges 0.42% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $18 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIMU currently yields 5.08% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HIMU and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 319 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, HIMU or QQQ?
HIMU has an expense ratio of 0.42% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIMU or QQQ?
Over the past year HIMU returned +4.12% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HIMU annualized +0.49% vs +13.15% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIMU or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.9% for HIMU. Worst drawdown: HIMU -8.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HIMU and QQQ?
HIMU and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIMU and QQQ?
HIMU and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 319 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIMU or QQQ?
HIMU yields 5.08% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so HIMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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