QLDY vs. QEW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QLDY (Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF) and QEW (Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QLDY is actively managed, while QEW is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QLDY charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for QEW.

Performance

QLDY vs. QEW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) and Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF (QEW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

QLDY

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

QEW

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 10.55%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QLDY vs. QEW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	27.98%
QEW Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF	21.49%

Correlation

The correlation between QLDY and QEW is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 2026	0.88

Return for Risk

QLDY vs. QEW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) and Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF (QEW). 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	QEW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.60	9.75	-8.15

Drawdowns

QLDY vs. QEW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLDY drawdown since its inception was -17.44%, which is greater than QEW's maximum drawdown of -4.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLDY and QEW.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLDY	QEW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.44%	-4.15%	-13.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.11%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.25%	-0.57%	-3.68%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QLDY	QEW	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.57%	15.78%	+3.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.57%	15.78%	+3.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.57%	15.78%	+3.79%

QLDY vs. QEW - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLDY has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than QEW's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLDY vs. QEW - Dividend Comparison

QLDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.47%, while QEW has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
QEW Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF	0.00%	0.00%
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	21.47%	9.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLDY and QEW in my portfolio?

QLDY and QEW have a correlation of 0.88, 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 QEW?

On fees, QEW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QLDY or QEW?

QEW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for QLDY.

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

QLDY has the higher dividend yield at 21.47%, compared with 0.00% for QEW.

What is the main difference between QLDY and QEW?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for QLDY and 0.25% for QEW.