MBB vs QQQ
MBB vs QQQ
iShares MBS ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
MBB has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. MBB offers more diversification with 2339 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MBB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $39.1B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 11,178 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.47% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.80% | +24.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.38% | +24.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.02% | +14.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 13, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MBB vs QQQ Performance
iShares MBS ETF (MBB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MBB returned +2.80% while QQQ returned +24.70%. Year to date, MBB is down 0.47% versus a gain of 14.45% for QQQ.
Over three years, MBB compounded at +4.38% per year against +24.19% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.02% and +14.49% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.98% annualized vs +0.44%. 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 4.3% for MBB. 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 -18.4% for MBB 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MBB charges 0.04% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $18 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MBB currently yields 4.26% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MBB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 2442 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, MBB or QQQ?
MBB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while QQQ charges 0.18%. MBB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MBB or QQQ?
Over the past year MBB returned +2.80% vs +24.70% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), MBB annualized +0.44% vs +12.98% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MBB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.3% for MBB. Worst drawdown: MBB -18.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MBB and QQQ?
MBB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MBB and QQQ?
MBB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2442 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MBB or QQQ?
MBB yields 4.26% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MBB 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.