QQQT vs. QQQI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QQQT (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF) and QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QQQT returned 28.68% vs 24.88% for QQQI. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQQT charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for QQQI.

Performance

QQQT vs. QQQI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQT achieves a 15.08% return, which is significantly higher than QQQI's 9.86% return.

QQQT

• 1D: -3.34%
• 1M: -0.40%
• YTD: 15.08%
• 6M: 14.12%
• 1Y: 28.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQI

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: -0.93%
• YTD: 9.86%
• 6M: 8.75%
• 1Y: 24.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQT vs. QQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	15.08%	14.04%	4.20%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	9.86%	18.62%	9.04%

Correlation

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

QQQT vs. QQQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQT	QQQI
Technology	58.7%	58.1%
Communication Services	14.3%	14.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	11.3%
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	6.5%
Healthcare	3.7%	3.9%
Industrials	2.6%	3.0%
Utilities	1.2%	1.3%
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

QQQT vs. QQQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQT

QQQT Risk / Return Rank: 51
QQQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
QQQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
QQQT Omega Ratio Rank: 55
QQQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
QQQT Martin Ratio Rank: 48

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 53
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 52
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

QQQT vs. QQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) and NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI). 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.

	QQQT	QQQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	1.69	+0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	2.25	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.32	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	2.60	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.75	11.10	-3.35

QQQT vs. QQQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQT Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the QQQI Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQT and QQQI, 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

QQQT vs. QQQI - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQT	QQQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-20.00%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.73%	-9.61%	-3.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.94%	-3.32%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.98%	-2.20%	-1.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.71%	2.25%	+1.46%

Volatility

QQQT vs. QQQI - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF (QQQT) has a higher volatility of 8.62% compared to NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) at 7.63%. This indicates that QQQT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QQQI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQT	QQQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.62%	7.63%	+0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	11.99%	+1.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.56%	14.79%	+1.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.78%	17.53%	+3.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.78%	17.53%	+3.25%

QQQT vs. QQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

QQQT vs. QQQI - Dividend Comparison

QQQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.89%, more than QQQI's 14.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	14.97%	13.82%	12.85%
QQQT Defiance Nasdaq 100 Income Target ETF	19.89%	21.27%	10.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQT and QQQI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, QQQT and QQQI 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, QQQT or QQQI?

QQQT has higher volatility (8.62%) compared to QQQI (7.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQT dropped -22.50% vs QQQI's -20.00%.

Which ETF is better, QQQT or QQQI?

On 1-year performance, QQQT leads with 28.68% vs 24.88% for QQQI. On fees, QQQI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 7.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQT or QQQI?

Over the 1-year period, QQQT has performed better with a 28.68% return vs 24.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQT or QQQI?

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

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

QQQT has the higher dividend yield at 19.89%, compared with 14.97% for QQQI.

What is the main difference between QQQT and QQQI?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.74 vs 1.69), 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.