HTAX vs QQQ
Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HTAX offers more diversification with 217 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HTAX | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $60M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.61% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.85% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.21% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HTAX vs QQQ Performance
Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HTAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HTAX returned +9.21% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, HTAX is up 2.85% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.1% for HTAX. 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 -6.1% for HTAX 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HTAX charges 0.49% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $18 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTAX currently yields 4.61% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HTAX and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 179 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, HTAX or QQQ?
HTAX has an expense ratio of 0.49% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HTAX or QQQ?
Over the past year HTAX returned +9.21% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HTAX annualized +2.97% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HTAX or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.1% for HTAX. Worst drawdown: HTAX -6.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HTAX and QQQ?
HTAX and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HTAX and QQQ?
HTAX and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 179 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HTAX or QQQ?
HTAX yields 4.61% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HTAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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