HYD vs QQQ
VanEck High Yield Muni ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYD offers more diversification with 1,887 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.36% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,887 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -2.02% | +17.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.22% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.41% | +26.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.21% | +15.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 63.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HYD vs QQQ Performance
VanEck High Yield Muni ETF (HYD) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HYD returned +3.22% while QQQ returned +24.93%. Year to date, HYD is down 2.02% versus a gain of 17.30% for QQQ.
Over three years, HYD compounded at +3.41% per year against +26.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.21% and +15.34% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +4.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HYD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 63.2% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -56.8% for HYD 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYD charges 0.32% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $18 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYD currently yields 4.36% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HYD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 114 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, HYD or QQQ?
HYD has an expense ratio of 0.32% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYD or QQQ?
Over the past year HYD returned +3.22% vs +24.93% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), HYD annualized +4.71% vs +13.06% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYD or QQQ?
HYD has been the more volatile fund at 63.2% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: HYD -56.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HYD and QQQ?
HYD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYD and QQQ?
HYD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYD or QQQ?
HYD yields 4.36% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HYD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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