MINO vs QQQ
PIMCO Municipal Income Opportunities Active Exchange-Traded Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. MINO offers more diversification with 520 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MINO | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $755M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.95% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.89% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.73% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.68% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.18% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MINO vs QQQ Performance
PIMCO Municipal Income Opportunities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (MINO) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MINO returned +5.73% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, MINO is up 0.89% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, MINO compounded at +4.68% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.18% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +1.18%. 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 6.6% for MINO. 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 -15.2% for MINO 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
MINO charges 0.39% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $18 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MINO currently yields 3.95% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MINO and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 330 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, MINO or QQQ?
MINO has an expense ratio of 0.39% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MINO or QQQ?
Over the past year MINO returned +5.73% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MINO annualized +1.18% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MINO or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.6% for MINO. Worst drawdown: MINO -15.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MINO and QQQ?
MINO 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 MINO and QQQ?
MINO and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 330 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MINO or QQQ?
MINO yields 3.95% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MINO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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