QQQI vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QQQI is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past year, QQQI returned 25.21% vs 35.35% for QQQ. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQQI charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

QQQI vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQI achieves a 9.81% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 16.88% return.

QQQI

• 1D: 2.90%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 9.81%
• 6M: 8.76%
• 1Y: 25.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: 3.38%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 16.88%
• 6M: 14.93%
• 1Y: 35.35%
• 3Y*: 26.51%
• 5Y*: 16.71%
• 10Y*: 21.71%

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

QQQI vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	9.81%	18.62%	19.44%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.88%	20.77%	20.11%

Correlation

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

QQQI vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

QQQI vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 67
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 69
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 74
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 75
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
QQQ 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.

QQQI vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.07	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.70	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	2.97	-0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.36	11.09	+0.27

QQQI vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQI Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQI and QQQ, 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. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQI	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.00%	-82.97%	+62.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-11.96%	+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	-3.36%	-3.89%	+0.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-32.76%	+30.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	3.19%	-0.97%

Volatility

QQQI vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) is 6.09%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 7.61%. This indicates that QQQI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQI	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.09%	7.61%	-1.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.33%	13.80%	-2.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.09%	17.19%	-3.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.35%	22.56%	-5.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	22.38%	-5.03%

QQQI vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

QQQI vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

QQQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.63%, more than QQQ's 0.39% 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	13.63%	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 QQQI and QQQ in my portfolio?

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

QQQ has higher volatility (7.61%) compared to QQQI (6.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQI dropped -20.00% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, QQQI or QQQ?

On 1-year performance, QQQ leads with 35.35% vs 25.21% for QQQI. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 6.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQI or QQQ?

Over the 1-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 35.35% return vs 25.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQI or QQQ?

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

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

QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 13.63%, compared with 0.39% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between QQQI and QQQ?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.80), 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.