QQQI vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. QQQI is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past year, QQQI returned 25.24% vs 23.98% for VUG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQQI charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

QQQI vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQI achieves a 8.55% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.80% return.

QQQI

• 1D: -3.97%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 8.55%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 25.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -3.62%
• 1M: 0.03%
• YTD: 5.80%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 23.98%
• 3Y*: 24.49%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 17.81%

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

QQQI vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	8.55%	18.62%	19.83%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.80%	19.40%	27.08%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQI and VUG is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2024	0.95

The correlation between QQQI and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQI vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQI	VUG
Technology	53.3%	53.5%
Communication Services	15.7%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	1.5%
Healthcare	4.3%	4.6%
Industrials	3.3%	3.6%
Utilities	1.5%	0.9%
Basic Materials	1.2%	0.6%
Energy	0.7%	0.4%
Financial Services	0.3%	4.3%
Real Estate	0.1%	1.0%

Return for Risk

QQQI vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 57
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 38
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	QQQI	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.48	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.43	2.01	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.26	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	1.46	+1.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.74	5.09	+6.65
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QQQI vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQI Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQI and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QQQI	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	1.48	+0.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.65	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.18	0.61	+0.57

Drawdowns

QQQI vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQI drawdown since its inception was -20.00%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQI and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQI	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.00%	-50.68%	+30.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.61%	-16.53%	+6.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.47%	-4.83%	+0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.20%	-7.09%	+4.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	4.72%	-2.57%

Volatility

QQQI vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 4.92% and 5.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQI	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.92%	5.17%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.68%	12.68%	-2.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.61%	16.26%	-2.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.25%	22.27%	-5.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.25%	21.47%	-4.22%

QQQI vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQI has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQI vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

QQQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 13.79%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.79%	13.82%	12.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQI and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, QQQI and VUG 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 VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to QQQI (4.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQI dropped -20.00% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, QQQI or VUG?

On 1-year performance, QQQI leads with 25.24% vs 23.98% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 4.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQI or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, QQQI has performed better with a 25.24% return vs 23.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQI or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for QQQI.

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

QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 13.79%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between QQQI and VUG?

QQQI is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Neos and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for QQQI and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.48), 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.