QQQI vs. KNG

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos, while KNG is a Dividend fund tracking the Cboe S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Index Monthly Series. QQQI is actively managed, while KNG is passively managed. Over the past year, QQQI returned 21.58% vs 12.79% for KNG. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QQQI charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for KNG.

Performance

QQQI vs. KNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQI achieves a 8.96% return, which is significantly higher than KNG's 7.61% return.

QQQI

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -3.32%
• YTD: 8.96%
• 6M: 7.56%
• 1Y: 21.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KNG

• 1D: 1.08%
• 1M: 5.26%
• YTD: 7.61%
• 6M: 6.65%
• 1Y: 12.79%
• 3Y*: 7.78%
• 5Y*: 5.81%
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQI vs. KNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	8.96%	18.62%	19.44%
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	7.61%	6.63%	5.83%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQI and KNG is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2024	0.31

The correlation between QQQI and KNG shifts across timeframes, from 0.18 (1 year) to 0.31 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QQQI vs. KNG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQI	KNG
Technology	60.2%	4.6%
Communication Services	12.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	5.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	23.6%
Healthcare	3.7%	10.2%
Industrials	3.5%	20.2%
Utilities	1.2%	5.7%
Basic Materials	1.1%	10.2%
Energy	0.5%	2.9%
Financial Services	0.2%	12.8%
Real Estate	0.1%	4.6%

Return for Risk

QQQI vs. KNG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 50
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 48
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 60

KNG

KNG Risk / Return Rank: 35
KNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
KNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
KNG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
KNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
KNG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

QQQI vs. KNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG). 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.

	QQQI	KNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.27	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	1.93	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.22	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	1.54	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.60	3.86	+5.74

QQQI vs. KNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQI Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the KNG Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQI and KNG, 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

QQQI vs. KNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQI drawdown since its inception was -20.00%, smaller than the maximum KNG drawdown of -35.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQI and KNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQI	KNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.00%	-35.12%	+15.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-8.61%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.11%	-0.91%	-3.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-4.12%	+1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.28%	3.42%	-1.14%

Volatility

QQQI vs. KNG - Volatility Comparison

NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) has a higher volatility of 7.67% compared to FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) at 3.22%. This indicates that QQQI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than KNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQI	KNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.67%	3.22%	+4.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	7.71%	+4.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.81%	10.42%	+4.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.51%	13.59%	+3.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.51%	17.15%	+0.36%

QQQI vs. KNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQI has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than KNG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQI vs. KNG - Dividend Comparison

QQQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.95%, more than KNG's 8.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
KNG FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF	8.29%	8.61%	9.08%	5.91%	4.00%	3.45%	3.62%	4.09%	3.46%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.95%	13.82%	12.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQI and KNG in my portfolio?

QQQI and KNG have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQI or KNG?

QQQI has higher volatility (7.67%) compared to KNG (3.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQI dropped -20.00% vs KNG's -35.12%.

Which ETF is better, QQQI or KNG?

On 1-year performance, QQQI leads with 21.58% vs 12.79% for KNG. On fees, QQQI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, KNG has been the lower-risk option at 3.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQI or KNG?

Over the 1-year period, QQQI has performed better with a 21.58% return vs 12.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQI or KNG?

QQQI is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for KNG.

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

QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 13.95%, compared with 8.29% for KNG.

What is the main difference between QQQI and KNG?

QQQI is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while KNG is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Neos and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for QQQI and 0.75% for KNG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.27), 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.