MUNA vs QQQ
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUNA | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $9M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +0.93% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.54% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MUNA vs QQQ Performance
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MUNA returned +1.54% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, MUNA is up 0.93% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 1.2% for MUNA. 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 -1.4% for MUNA 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNA charges 0.18% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $18 annually. On income, MUNA currently yields 1.66% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MUNA and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 112 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, MUNA or QQQ?
MUNA has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQ charges 0.18%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUNA or QQQ?
Over the past year MUNA returned +1.54% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNA or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.2% for MUNA. Worst drawdown: MUNA -1.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MUNA and QQQ?
MUNA and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNA and QQQ?
MUNA and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNA or QQQ?
MUNA yields 1.66% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MUNA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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