MINT vs QQQ
MINT vs QQQ
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active Exchange-Traded Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. MINT offers more diversification with 766 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MINT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $16.9B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 1,023 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.18% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.16% | +28.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.13% | +24.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.54% | +14.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MINT vs QQQ Performance
PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active Exchange-Traded Fund (MINT) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MINT returned +4.16% while QQQ returned +28.64%. Year to date, MINT is up 2.18% versus a gain of 17.27% for QQQ.
Over three years, MINT compounded at +5.13% per year against +24.88% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +3.54% and +14.86% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs +1.18%. 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 1.2% for MINT. 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 -4.8% for MINT 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MINT charges 0.36% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $18 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MINT currently yields 4.35% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MINT and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 869 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, MINT or QQQ?
MINT has an expense ratio of 0.36% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MINT or QQQ?
Over the past year MINT returned +4.16% vs +28.64% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), MINT annualized +1.18% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MINT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.2% for MINT. Worst drawdown: MINT -4.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MINT and QQQ?
MINT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MINT and QQQ?
MINT and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 869 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MINT or QQQ?
MINT yields 4.35% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MINT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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