QQQI vs. VPU

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. QQQI is actively managed, while VPU is passively managed. Over the past year, QQQI returned 19.87% vs 9.89% for VPU. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QQQI charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

QQQI vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQI achieves a 10.04% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 6.36% return.

QQQI

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -2.68%
• 6M: 10.99%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 1Y: 19.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 19.68%

VPU

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.81%
• 6M: 5.41%
• YTD: 6.36%
• 1Y: 9.89%
• 3Y*: 12.74%
• 5Y*: 9.81%
• 10Y*: 8.73%
• ALL TIME*: 9.80%

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

QQQI vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	10.04%	18.62%	19.44%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	6.36%	16.46%	26.70%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQI and VPU is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2024	0.11

QQQI vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQI	VPU
Technology	58.9%	-
Communication Services	13.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	-
Industrials	4.1%	0.4%
Healthcare	3.6%	-
Utilities	1.1%	98.8%
Basic Materials	1.0%	-
Energy	0.5%	0.4%
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

QQQI vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 53
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 49
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 26
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	0.68	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	1.01	+0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.12	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	1.12	+0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.34	2.32	+6.02

QQQI vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQI Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQI and VPU, 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. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQI drawdown since its inception was -20.00%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQI and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQI	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.00%	-46.31%	+26.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-8.90%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.16%	-4.40%	+1.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.22%	-7.76%	+5.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.39%	4.27%	-1.88%

Volatility

QQQI vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) has a higher volatility of 6.40% compared to Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) at 4.11%. This indicates that QQQI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQI	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.40%	4.11%	+2.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.06%	11.56%	+1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.68%	14.55%	+1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.62%	17.04%	+0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.62%	19.15%	-1.53%

QQQI vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQI has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQI vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

QQQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.81%, more than VPU's 2.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.81%	13.82%	12.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.66%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQI and VPU in my portfolio?

QQQI and VPU have a correlation of 0.04, 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 VPU?

QQQI has higher volatility (6.40%) compared to VPU (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQI dropped -20.00% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, QQQI or VPU?

On 1-year performance, QQQI leads with 19.87% vs 9.89% for VPU. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 4.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQI or VPU?

Over the 1-year period, QQQI has performed better with a 19.87% return vs 9.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQI or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for QQQI.

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

QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 13.81%, compared with 2.66% for VPU.

What is the main difference between QQQI and VPU?

QQQI is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while VPU is Utilities Equities. They also come from different issuers: Neos and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for QQQI and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 0.68), 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.