MLN vs QQQ
MLN vs QQQ
VanEck Long Muni ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. MLN offers more diversification with 363 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLN | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $691M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.66% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 682 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.48% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.50% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.76% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.61% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2008 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MLN vs QQQ Performance
VanEck Long Muni ETF (MLN) is a ETF from VanEck and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MLN returned +5.50% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, MLN is down 0.48% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, MLN compounded at +2.76% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -1.61% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +2.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.0% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -62.4% for MLN 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLN charges 0.24% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $18 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLN currently yields 3.66% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MLN and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 466 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, MLN or QQQ?
MLN has an expense ratio of 0.24% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLN or QQQ?
Over the past year MLN returned +5.50% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MLN annualized +2.84% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLN or QQQ?
MLN has been the more volatile fund at 42.0% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MLN -62.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MLN and QQQ?
MLN and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MLN and QQQ?
MLN and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 466 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLN or QQQ?
MLN yields 3.66% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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