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

MetricMPAQQQWinner
Expense Ratio1.48%0.18%
AUM$156M$455.8B
Dividend Yield5.32%0.41%
Holdings165108
YTD Return+2.86%+18.20%
1Y Return+8.57%+27.63%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.21%+25.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-2.25%+15.12%
Volatility (annualized)12.8%30.6%
Max Drawdown-54.5%-83.0%
Fund FamilyBlackRock, Inc. (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryTax PreferredEquity
InceptionOct 30, 1992Mar 10, 1999

MPA vs QQQ Performance

BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (MPA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, MPA is up 2.86% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.

Over three years, MPA compounded at +5.21% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -2.25% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +0.19%. 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 12.8% for MPA. 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 -54.5% for MPA 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MPA charges 1.48% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $148 vs $18 annually, a gap of $130 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MPA currently yields 5.32% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MPA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 157 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, MPA or QQQ?

MPA has an expense ratio of 1.48% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $130 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MPA or QQQ?

Over the past year MPA returned +8.57% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), MPA annualized +0.19% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MPA or QQQ?

QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.8% for MPA. Worst drawdown: MPA -54.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.

Should I hold both MPA and QQQ?

MPA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MPA and QQQ?

MPA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 157 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MPA or QQQ?

MPA yields 5.32% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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