QLDY vs. AIPO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QLDY (Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF) and AIPO (Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QLDY is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Defiance, while AIPO is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed AI and Power Infrastructure Index. QLDY is actively managed, while AIPO is passively managed. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QLDY charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for AIPO.

Performance

QLDY vs. AIPO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) and Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QLDY achieves a 19.28% return, which is significantly lower than AIPO's 52.03% return.

QLDY

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 11.63%
• YTD: 19.28%
• 6M: 16.55%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AIPO

• 1D: -1.12%
• 1M: 6.63%
• YTD: 52.03%
• 6M: 45.92%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QLDY vs. AIPO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	19.28%	1.50%
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	52.03%	0.30%

Correlation

The correlation between QLDY and AIPO is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 19, 2025	0.72

Return for Risk

QLDY vs. AIPO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) and Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QLDY	AIPO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	2.36	-0.75

Drawdowns

QLDY vs. AIPO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLDY drawdown since its inception was -17.44%, roughly equal to the maximum AIPO drawdown of -17.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLDY and AIPO.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLDY	AIPO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.44%	-17.31%	-0.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.12%	+1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.25%	-4.38%	+0.13%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QLDY	AIPO	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.57%	34.09%	-14.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.57%	34.09%	-14.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.57%	34.09%	-14.52%

QLDY vs. AIPO - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLDY has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than AIPO's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLDY vs. AIPO - Dividend Comparison

QLDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.47%, more than AIPO's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AIPO Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF	0.01%	0.01%
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	21.47%	9.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLDY and AIPO in my portfolio?

QLDY and AIPO have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QLDY or AIPO?

On fees, AIPO is cheaper at 0.69% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QLDY or AIPO?

AIPO is cheaper with a 0.69% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for QLDY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QLDY or AIPO?

QLDY has the higher dividend yield at 21.47%, compared with 0.01% for AIPO.

What is the main difference between QLDY and AIPO?

QLDY is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while AIPO is Technology Equities. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for QLDY and 0.69% for AIPO.