INTM vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricINTMQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.18%
AUM$101M$455.8B
Dividend Yield2.92%0.41%
Holdings173108
YTD Return-0.49%+18.31%
1Y Return+3.57%+25.37%
3Y Return (annualized)-+25.79%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.20%
Volatility (annualized)4.2%30.6%
Max Drawdown-2.9%-83.0%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 23, 2025Mar 10, 1999

INTM vs QQQ Performance

Invesco Intermediate Municipal ETF (INTM) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year INTM returned +3.57% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, INTM is down 0.49% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.2% for INTM. 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 -2.9% for INTM 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

INTM 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, INTM currently yields 2.92% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

INTM and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 160 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, INTM or QQQ?

INTM 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, INTM or QQQ?

Over the past year INTM returned +3.57% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), INTM annualized +3.77% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, INTM or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.2% for INTM. Worst drawdown: INTM -2.9% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both INTM and QQQ?

INTM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between INTM and QQQ?

INTM and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 160 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, INTM or QQQ?

INTM yields 2.92% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so INTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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