HYMB vs QQQ
State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE 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. HYMB offers more diversification with 1,857 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYMB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.61% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 1,857 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.09% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.54% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.84% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.02% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 13, 2011 | Mar 10, 1999 |
HYMB vs QQQ Performance
State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HYMB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year HYMB returned +7.54% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, HYMB is up 2.09% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, HYMB compounded at +4.84% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.02% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.37%. 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 7.3% for HYMB. 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 -29.8% for HYMB 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYMB charges 0.35% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $18 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYMB currently yields 4.61% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
HYMB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 131 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, HYMB or QQQ?
HYMB has an expense ratio of 0.35% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYMB or QQQ?
Over the past year HYMB returned +7.54% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HYMB annualized +1.37% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYMB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 7.3% for HYMB. Worst drawdown: HYMB -29.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both HYMB and QQQ?
HYMB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYMB and QQQ?
HYMB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYMB or QQQ?
HYMB yields 4.61% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so HYMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.