QLDY vs. TDAQ

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

QLDY (Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF) and TDAQ (TappAlpha Innovation 100 Growth & Daily Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QLDY is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Defiance, while TDAQ is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by TappAlpha. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QLDY charges 1.04%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for TDAQ.

Performance

QLDY vs. TDAQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QLDY achieves a 9.82% return, which is significantly lower than TDAQ's 13.51% return.

QLDY

• 1D: -2.11%
• 1M: -4.71%
• 6M: 8.93%
• YTD: 9.82%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TDAQ

• 1D: -1.76%
• 1M: -3.12%
• 6M: 12.44%
• YTD: 13.51%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QLDY vs. TDAQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	9.82%	1.54%
TDAQ TappAlpha Innovation 100 Growth & Daily Income ETF	13.51%	6.28%

Correlation

The correlation between QLDY and TDAQ is 0.93, 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 Sep 18, 2025	0.93

Return for Risk

QLDY vs. TDAQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) and TappAlpha Innovation 100 Growth & Daily Income ETF (TDAQ). 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.

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

Drawdowns

QLDY vs. TDAQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QLDY drawdown since its inception was -17.44%, which is greater than TDAQ's maximum drawdown of -11.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QLDY and TDAQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QLDY	TDAQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.44%	-11.31%	-6.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.90%	-5.96%	-1.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.35%	-2.49%	-1.86%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QLDY	TDAQ	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.84%	18.88%	+2.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.84%	18.88%	+2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.84%	18.88%	+2.96%

QLDY vs. TDAQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QLDY has a 1.04% expense ratio, which is higher than TDAQ's 0.83% expense ratio.

Dividends

QLDY vs. TDAQ - Dividend Comparison

QLDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 28.28%, more than TDAQ's 13.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
QLDY Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF	28.28%	9.34%
TDAQ TappAlpha Innovation 100 Growth & Daily Income ETF	13.92%	4.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QLDY and TDAQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, QLDY and TDAQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, QLDY or TDAQ?

On fees, TDAQ is cheaper at 0.83% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QLDY or TDAQ?

TDAQ is cheaper with a 0.83% expense ratio, compared with 1.04% for QLDY.

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

QLDY has the higher dividend yield at 28.28%, compared with 13.92% for TDAQ.

What is the main difference between QLDY and TDAQ?

QLDY is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while TDAQ is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and TappAlpha. Their fees differ too: 1.04% for QLDY and 0.83% for TDAQ.