MUS vs QQQ
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. MUS offers more diversification with 233 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $181M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 233 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -1.56% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.00% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.89% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 1998 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MUS vs QQQ Performance
BlackRock MuniHoldings Quality Fund, Inc. (MUS) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, MUS is down 1.56% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, MUS compounded at +5.89% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.30% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.27%. 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 12.2% for MUS. 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 -41.3% for MUS 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
MUS charges 1.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $18 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUS currently yields 0.78% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUS or QQQ?
MUS has an expense ratio of 1.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $132 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUS or QQQ?
Over the past year MUS returned +4.00% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), MUS annualized +8.27% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.2% for MUS. Worst drawdown: MUS -41.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MUS and QQQ?
MUS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUS or QQQ?
MUS yields 0.78% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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