MSTY vs QQQ
YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSTY | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $760M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 139.35% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -32.86% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -69.72% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 78.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MSTY vs QQQ Performance
YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MSTY returned -69.72% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, MSTY is down 32.86% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 78.6% 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 -77.4% for MSTY 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTY charges 1.03% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $18 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTY currently yields 139.35% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MSTY and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 106 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, MSTY or QQQ?
MSTY has an expense ratio of 1.03% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTY or QQQ?
Over the past year MSTY returned -69.72% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MSTY annualized +7.31% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTY or QQQ?
MSTY has been the more volatile fund at 78.6% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MSTY -77.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MSTY and QQQ?
MSTY and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTY and QQQ?
MSTY and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTY or QQQ?
MSTY yields 139.35% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MSTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.