MFSI vs QQQ
MFS Active International 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 | MFSI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +9.37% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.24% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MFSI vs QQQ Performance
MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MFSI returned +18.24% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, MFSI is up 9.37% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.1% for MFSI. 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 -13.7% for MFSI 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFSI charges 0.59% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $18 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSI currently yields 0.75% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MFSI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 193 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, MFSI or QQQ?
MFSI has an expense ratio of 0.59% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSI or QQQ?
Over the past year MFSI returned +18.24% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSI annualized +18.85% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.1% for MFSI. Worst drawdown: MFSI -13.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MFSI and QQQ?
MFSI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFSI and QQQ?
MFSI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 193 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSI or QQQ?
MFSI yields 0.75% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MFSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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