QQQ vs. QQQI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) and QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QQQ is passively managed, while QQQI is actively managed. Over the past year, QQQ returned 35.82% vs 25.86% for QQQI. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQQ charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for QQQI.

Performance

QQQ vs. QQQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) 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, QQQ achieves a 17.57% return, which is significantly higher than QQQI's 10.58% return.

QQQ

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 0.93%
• YTD: 17.57%
• 6M: 17.85%
• 1Y: 35.82%
• 3Y*: 26.43%
• 5Y*: 16.85%
• 10Y*: 21.79%

QQQI

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 10.58%
• 6M: 11.20%
• 1Y: 25.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQ vs. QQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	17.57%	20.77%	20.11%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	10.58%	18.62%	19.44%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQ and QQQI is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2024	0.98

The correlation between QQQ and QQQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQ vs. QQQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQ	QQQI
Technology	53.8%	53.3%
Communication Services	15.8%	15.7%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	7.7%
Healthcare	4.2%	4.3%
Industrials	2.8%	3.3%
Utilities	1.4%	1.5%
Basic Materials	1.1%	1.2%
Energy	0.6%	0.7%
Financial Services	0.2%	0.3%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

QQQ vs. QQQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 71
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 70

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 65
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

QQQ vs. QQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) 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.

	QQQ	QQQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.09	1.84	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.43	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.34	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.01	2.70	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.22	11.63	-0.40

QQQ vs. QQQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.09, which is comparable to the QQQI Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQ 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

QQQ vs. QQQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQ drawdown since its inception was -82.97%, which is greater than QQQI's maximum drawdown of -20.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQ and QQQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQ	QQQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.97%	-20.00%	-62.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-9.61%	-2.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.12%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.33%	-2.69%	-0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.75%	-2.21%	-30.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	2.23%	+0.97%

Volatility

QQQ vs. QQQI - Volatility Comparison

Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a higher volatility of 7.56% compared to NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) at 6.10%. This indicates that QQQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQ	QQQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.56%	6.10%	+1.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.81%	11.35%	+2.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.19%	14.10%	+3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.55%	17.34%	+5.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.38%	17.34%	+5.04%

QQQ vs. QQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQ has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQ vs. QQQI - Dividend Comparison

QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%, less than QQQI's 13.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.39%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.53%	13.82%	12.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQ and QQQI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, QQQ and QQQI 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 is riskier, QQQ or QQQI?

QQQ has higher volatility (7.56%) compared to QQQI (6.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQ dropped -82.97% vs QQQI's -20.00%.

Which ETF is better, QQQ or QQQI?

On 1-year performance, QQQ leads with 35.82% vs 25.86% for QQQI. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 6.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQ or QQQI?

Over the 1-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 35.82% return vs 25.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQ or QQQI?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for QQQI.

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

QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 13.53%, compared with 0.39% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between QQQ and QQQI?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Neos. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for QQQ and 0.68% for QQQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.84), 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.