IQQQ vs. KNG

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

IQQQ (ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Daily Covered Call Index, while KNG is a Dividend fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IQQQ returned 26.55% vs 12.79% for KNG. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IQQQ charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for KNG.

Performance

IQQQ vs. KNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQQQ achieves a 12.97% return, which is significantly higher than KNG's 7.61% return.

IQQQ

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: -4.09%
• YTD: 12.97%
• 6M: 11.34%
• 1Y: 26.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KNG

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 5.26%
• YTD: 7.61%
• 6M: 6.65%
• 1Y: 12.79%
• 3Y*: 7.78%
• 5Y*: 5.81%
• 10Y*: —

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

IQQQ vs. KNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	12.97%	17.11%	14.82%
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	7.61%	6.63%	1.87%

Correlation

The correlation between IQQQ and KNG is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2024	0.29

The correlation between IQQQ and KNG shifts across timeframes, from 0.15 (1 year) to 0.29 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IQQQ vs. KNG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQQQ

IQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 51
IQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
IQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
IQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
IQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 35
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

IQQQ vs. KNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). 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.

	IQQQ	KNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.27	+0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	1.93	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.22	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	1.54	+0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.28	3.86	+4.42

IQQQ vs. KNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQQQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the KNG Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQQQ and KNG, 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

IQQQ vs. KNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQQQ drawdown since its inception was -20.41%, smaller than the maximum KNG drawdown of -35.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQQQ and KNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQQQ	KNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.41%	-35.12%	+14.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.13%	-8.61%	-2.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.13%	-0.91%	-4.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.63%	-4.12%	+0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	3.42%	-0.14%

Volatility

IQQQ vs. KNG - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) has a higher volatility of 8.24% compared to FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) at 3.22%. This indicates that IQQQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQQQ	KNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.24%	3.22%	+5.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.60%	7.71%	+5.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.03%	10.42%	+6.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.05%	13.59%	+5.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.05%	17.15%	+1.90%

IQQQ vs. KNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQQQ has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than KNG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQQQ vs. KNG - Dividend Comparison

IQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, less than KNG's 8.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	4.65%	10.34%	7.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.29%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQQQ and KNG in my portfolio?

IQQQ and KNG have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQQQ or KNG?

IQQQ has higher volatility (8.24%) compared to KNG (3.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQQQ dropped -20.41% vs KNG's -35.12%.

Which ETF is better, IQQQ or KNG?

On 1-year performance, IQQQ leads with 26.55% vs 12.79% for KNG. On fees, IQQQ is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, KNG has been the lower-risk option at 3.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQQQ or KNG?

Over the 1-year period, IQQQ has performed better with a 26.55% return vs 12.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQQQ or KNG?

IQQQ is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for KNG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQQQ or KNG?

KNG has the higher dividend yield at 8.29%, compared with 4.65% for IQQQ.

What is the main difference between IQQQ and KNG?

IQQQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while KNG is Dividend. IQQQ tracks Nasdaq-100 Daily Covered Call Index, while KNG tracks Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for IQQQ and 0.75% for KNG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.27), 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.