KGLD vs. QQQI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

KGLD (Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF ) and QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KGLD is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Kurv, while QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, KGLD returned 17.91% vs 22.03% for QQQI. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. KGLD charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for QQQI.

Performance

KGLD vs. QQQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) 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, KGLD achieves a -7.88% return, which is significantly lower than QQQI's 10.40% return.

KGLD

• 1D: -2.53%
• 1M: -5.25%
• 6M: -13.85%
• YTD: -7.88%
• 1Y: 17.91%
• 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)

KGLD vs. QQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	-7.88%	29.75%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	10.40%	11.11%

Correlation

The correlation between KGLD and QQQI is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2025	0.25

Return for Risk

KGLD vs. QQQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

KGLD

KGLD Risk / Return Rank: 21
KGLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
KGLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
KGLD Omega Ratio Rank: 24
KGLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
KGLD Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

KGLD vs. QQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) 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.

	KGLD	QQQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	1.44	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	1.96	-1.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.27	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	2.30	-1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.55	9.51	-7.96

KGLD vs. QQQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KGLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is lower than the QQQI Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KGLD 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

KGLD vs. QQQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KGLD drawdown since its inception was -28.07%, which is greater than QQQI's maximum drawdown of -20.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KGLD and QQQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	KGLD	QQQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.07%	-20.00%	-8.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.07%	-9.61%	-18.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.90%	-2.84%	-25.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.99%	-2.21%	-5.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.56%	2.32%	+9.24%

Volatility

KGLD vs. QQQI - Volatility Comparison

Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF (KGLD) and NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) have volatilities of 7.48% and 7.43%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KGLD	QQQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.48%	7.43%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.10%	12.76%	+12.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.99%	15.44%	+13.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.78%	17.60%	+11.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.78%	17.60%	+11.18%

KGLD vs. QQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

KGLD has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

KGLD vs. QQQI - Dividend Comparison

KGLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.67%, more than QQQI's 13.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
KGLD Kurv Gold Enhanced Income ETF	15.67%	4.59%	0.00%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.76%	13.82%	12.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KGLD and QQQI in my portfolio?

KGLD and QQQI have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KGLD or QQQI?

KGLD has higher volatility (7.48%) compared to QQQI (7.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KGLD dropped -28.07% vs QQQI's -20.00%.

Which ETF is better, KGLD or QQQI?

On 1-year performance, QQQI leads with 22.03% vs 17.91% for KGLD. On fees, QQQI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KGLD or QQQI?

Over the 1-year period, QQQI has performed better with a 22.03% return vs 17.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KGLD or QQQI?

QQQI is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for KGLD.

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

KGLD has the higher dividend yield at 15.67%, compared with 13.76% for QQQI.

What is the main difference between KGLD and QQQI?

KGLD is categorized as Derivative Income, while QQQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Kurv and Neos. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for KGLD and 0.68% for QQQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 0.62), 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.