QQQI vs. QQQT

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and QQQT (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QQQI returned 23.23% vs 26.06% for QQQT. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQQI charges 0.68%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for QQQT.

Performance

QQQI vs. QQQT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQI achieves a 9.46% return, which is significantly lower than QQQT's 14.34% return.

QQQI

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -1.29%
• YTD: 9.46%
• 6M: 8.08%
• 1Y: 23.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQT

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -1.05%
• YTD: 14.34%
• 6M: 12.96%
• 1Y: 26.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQI vs. QQQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	9.46%	18.62%	9.04%
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	14.34%	14.04%	4.20%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQI and QQQT is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2024	0.97

The correlation between QQQI and QQQT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQI vs. QQQT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQI	QQQT
Technology	58.1%	58.7%
Communication Services	14.2%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	6.4%
Healthcare	3.9%	3.7%
Industrials	3.0%	2.6%
Utilities	1.3%	1.2%
Basic Materials	1.0%	1.0%
Energy	0.5%	0.5%
Financial Services	0.2%	0.2%
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%

Return for Risk

QQQI vs. QQQT — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 54
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 52
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 63

QQQT

QQQT Risk / Return Rank: 49
QQQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
QQQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
QQQT Omega Ratio Rank: 53
QQQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
QQQT Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. QQQT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT). 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	QQQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.59	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	2.15	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.30	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	2.06	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.31	7.02	+3.29

QQQI vs. QQQT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQI Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is comparable to the QQQT Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQI and QQQT, 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. QQQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQI drawdown since its inception was -20.00%, smaller than the maximum QQQT drawdown of -22.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQI and QQQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQI	QQQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.00%	-22.50%	+2.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-12.73%	+3.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.67%	-4.56%	+0.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-3.98%	+1.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	3.72%	-1.46%

Volatility

QQQI vs. QQQT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) is 7.62%, while Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) has a volatility of 8.63%. This indicates that QQQI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQI	QQQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.62%	8.63%	-1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.94%	13.54%	-1.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.78%	16.55%	-1.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.51%	20.77%	-3.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.51%	20.77%	-3.26%

QQQI vs. QQQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQI has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQT's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQI vs. QQQT - Dividend Comparison

QQQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 15.03%, less than QQQT's 20.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	15.03%	13.82%	12.85%
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	20.02%	21.27%	10.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQI and QQQT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, QQQI and QQQT 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 QQQT?

QQQT has higher volatility (8.63%) compared to QQQI (7.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQI dropped -20.00% vs QQQT's -22.50%.

Which ETF is better, QQQI or QQQT?

On 1-year performance, QQQT leads with 26.06% vs 23.23% for QQQI. On fees, QQQI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 7.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQI or QQQT?

Over the 1-year period, QQQT has performed better with a 26.06% return vs 23.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQI or QQQT?

QQQI is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for QQQT.

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

QQQT has the higher dividend yield at 20.02%, compared with 15.03% for QQQI.

What is the main difference between QQQI and QQQT?

They also come from different issuers: Neos and Defiance. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for QQQI and 1.05% for QQQT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.59 vs 1.58), 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.