MBND vs QQQ
State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MBND | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $27M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.85% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.51% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.83% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.10% | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MBND vs QQQ Performance
State Street Nuveen Municipal Bond ETF (MBND) 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 MBND returned +1.51% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, MBND is down 1.85% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, MBND compounded at +2.83% per year against +25.75% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.10% and +14.78% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.02% annualized vs +0.14%. 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 5.4% for MBND. 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 -13.2% for MBND 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MBND charges 0.40% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $18 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MBND currently yields 3.50% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MBND and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 142 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, MBND or QQQ?
MBND has an expense ratio of 0.40% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MBND or QQQ?
Over the past year MBND returned +1.51% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MBND annualized +0.14% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MBND or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.4% for MBND. Worst drawdown: MBND -13.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MBND and QQQ?
MBND and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MBND and QQQ?
MBND and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MBND or QQQ?
MBND yields 3.50% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MBND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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