QQQI vs. SPYI

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and SPYI (NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos, while SPYI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Neos. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QQQI returned 25.21% vs 19.58% for SPYI. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.68% expense ratio.

Performance

QQQI vs. SPYI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI). 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 higher than SPYI's 5.75% return.

QQQI

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

SPYI

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: -0.20%
• YTD: 5.75%
• 6M: 5.57%
• 1Y: 19.58%
• 3Y*: 15.36%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQI vs. SPYI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	9.81%	18.62%	19.44%
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	5.75%	16.67%	16.11%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQI and SPYI is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2024	0.94

The correlation between QQQI and SPYI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQI vs. SPYI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQI	SPYI
Technology	53.3%	35.5%
Communication Services	15.7%	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	10.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	4.9%
Healthcare	4.3%	8.5%
Industrials	3.3%	8.4%
Utilities	1.5%	2.3%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.8%
Energy	0.7%	3.5%
Financial Services	0.3%	11.8%
Real Estate	0.1%	2.0%

Return for Risk

QQQI vs. SPYI — 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

SPYI

SPYI Risk / Return Rank: 73
SPYI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
SPYI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
SPYI Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SPYI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SPYI Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. SPYI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI). 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	SPYI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	1.95	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.38	2.64	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.38	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	2.55	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.36	12.86	-1.50

QQQI vs. SPYI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQI Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the SPYI Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQI and SPYI, 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. SPYI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQI drawdown since its inception was -20.00%, which is greater than SPYI's maximum drawdown of -16.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQI and SPYI.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQI	SPYI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.00%	-16.47%	-3.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-7.72%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.36%	-2.31%	-1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-1.81%	-0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	1.53%	+0.69%

Volatility

QQQI vs. SPYI - Volatility Comparison

NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) has a higher volatility of 6.09% compared to NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) at 3.59%. This indicates that QQQI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPYI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQI	SPYI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.09%	3.59%	+2.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.33%	8.07%	+3.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.09%	10.10%	+3.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.35%	13.00%	+4.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.35%	13.00%	+4.35%

QQQI vs. SPYI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both QQQI and SPYI have an expense ratio of 0.68%.

Dividends

QQQI vs. SPYI - Dividend Comparison

QQQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.63%, more than SPYI's 11.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.63%	13.82%	12.85%	0.00%	0.00%
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	11.86%	11.70%	12.04%	12.01%	4.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQI and SPYI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, QQQI and SPYI 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 SPYI?

QQQI has higher volatility (6.09%) compared to SPYI (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQI dropped -20.00% vs SPYI's -16.47%.

Which ETF is better, QQQI or SPYI?

On 1-year performance, QQQI leads with 25.21% vs 19.58% for SPYI. Both ETFs have the same 0.68% expense ratio. On volatility, SPYI has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQI or SPYI?

Over the 1-year period, QQQI has performed better with a 25.21% return vs 19.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQI or SPYI?

QQQI and SPYI have the same expense ratio: 0.68% per year.

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

QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 13.63%, compared with 11.86% for SPYI.

What is the main difference between QQQI and SPYI?

QQQI is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while SPYI is Derivative Income.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 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.