BLOX vs. QQQI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

BLOX (Nicholas Crypto Income ETF) and QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BLOX is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Nicholas, while QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, BLOX returned -8.94% vs 22.03% for QQQI. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BLOX charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for QQQI.

Performance

BLOX vs. QQQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) and NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLOX achieves a -2.41% return, which is significantly lower than QQQI's 10.40% return.

BLOX

• 1D: -3.57%
• 1M: -12.88%
• 6M: -14.00%
• YTD: -2.41%
• 1Y: -8.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQI

• 1D: -1.69%
• 1M: -0.16%
• 6M: 8.70%
• YTD: 10.40%
• 1Y: 22.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BLOX vs. QQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	-2.41%	8.17%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	10.40%	13.65%

Correlation

The correlation between BLOX and QQQI is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2025	0.65

The correlation between BLOX and QQQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BLOX vs. QQQI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BLOX

BLOX Risk / Return Rank: 8
BLOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
BLOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
BLOX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
BLOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
BLOX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 56
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 66

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BLOX vs. QQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) and NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BLOX	QQQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.16	1.44	-1.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.14	1.96	-1.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.27	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.19	2.30	-2.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.37	9.51	-9.88

BLOX vs. QQQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLOX Sharpe Ratio is -0.16, which is lower than the QQQI Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLOX and QQQI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BLOX vs. QQQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLOX drawdown since its inception was -47.09%, which is greater than QQQI's maximum drawdown of -20.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLOX and QQQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLOX	QQQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.09%	-20.00%	-27.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.09%	-9.61%	-37.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-32.54%	-2.84%	-29.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.13%	-2.21%	-16.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	24.33%	2.32%	+22.01%

Volatility

BLOX vs. QQQI - Volatility Comparison

Nicholas Crypto Income ETF (BLOX) has a higher volatility of 13.78% compared to NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) at 7.43%. This indicates that BLOX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLOX	QQQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.78%	7.43%	+6.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	40.79%	12.76%	+28.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	54.59%	15.44%	+39.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	53.65%	17.60%	+36.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.65%	17.60%	+36.05%

BLOX vs. QQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLOX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLOX vs. QQQI - Dividend Comparison

BLOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 48.58%, more than QQQI's 13.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
BLOX Nicholas Crypto Income ETF	48.58%	22.69%	0.00%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.76%	13.82%	12.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLOX and QQQI in my portfolio?

BLOX and QQQI have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLOX or QQQI?

BLOX has higher volatility (13.78%) compared to QQQI (7.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLOX dropped -47.09% vs QQQI's -20.00%.

Which ETF is better, BLOX or QQQI?

On 1-year performance, QQQI leads with 22.03% vs -8.94% for BLOX. On fees, QQQI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 7.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLOX or QQQI?

Over the 1-year period, QQQI has performed better with a 22.03% return vs -8.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLOX or QQQI?

QQQI is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for BLOX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLOX or QQQI?

BLOX has the higher dividend yield at 48.58%, compared with 13.76% for QQQI.

What is the main difference between BLOX and QQQI?

BLOX is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while QQQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Nicholas and Neos. Their fees differ too: 1.03% for BLOX and 0.68% for QQQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs -0.16), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.