QQQY vs. IQQQ

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

QQQY (Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF) and IQQQ (ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. QQQY is actively managed, while IQQQ is passively managed. Over the past year, QQQY returned 28.38% vs 29.47% for IQQQ. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QQQY charges 0.99%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for IQQQ.

Performance

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQY achieves a 15.16% return, which is significantly higher than IQQQ's 13.95% return.

QQQY

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -1.73%
• YTD: 15.16%
• 6M: 13.85%
• 1Y: 28.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IQQQ

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -2.10%
• YTD: 13.95%
• 6M: 12.28%
• 1Y: 29.47%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQY Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF	15.16%	14.96%	5.64%
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.95%	17.11%	14.82%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQY and IQQQ 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 Mar 20, 2024	0.93

The correlation between QQQY and IQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QQQY vs. IQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQY

QQQY Risk / Return Rank: 62
QQQY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
QQQY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
QQQY Omega Ratio Rank: 66
QQQY Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
QQQY Martin Ratio Rank: 65

IQQQ

IQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 58
IQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
IQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
IQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 56
IQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF (QQQY) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ). 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.

	QQQY	IQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.74	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.28	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.30	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	2.66	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.30	9.05	+1.26

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQY Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the IQQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQY and IQQQ, 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

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQY drawdown since its inception was -19.05%, smaller than the maximum IQQQ drawdown of -20.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQY and IQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQY	IQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.05%	-20.41%	+1.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.14%	-11.13%	-0.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.63%	-4.31%	+0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.91%	-3.63%	+0.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	3.27%	-0.51%

Volatility

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF (QQQY) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) have volatilities of 8.38% and 8.20%, 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

	QQQY	IQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.38%	8.20%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.62%	13.57%	+0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.78%	17.00%	-1.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.38%	19.06%	-3.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.38%	19.06%	-3.68%

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQY has a 0.99% expense ratio, which is higher than IQQQ's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQY vs. IQQQ - Dividend Comparison

QQQY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 36.24%, more than IQQQ's 4.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	4.61%	10.34%	7.27%	0.00%
QQQY Defiance Nasdaq 100 Enhanced Options Income ETF	36.24%	45.34%	83.34%	20.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQY and IQQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, QQQY and IQQQ 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, QQQY or IQQQ?

QQQY has higher volatility (8.38%) compared to IQQQ (8.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQY dropped -19.05% vs IQQQ's -20.41%.

Which ETF is better, QQQY or IQQQ?

On 1-year performance, IQQQ leads with 29.47% vs 28.38% for QQQY. On fees, IQQQ is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, IQQQ has been the lower-risk option at 8.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQY or IQQQ?

Over the 1-year period, IQQQ has performed better with a 29.47% return vs 28.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQY or IQQQ?

IQQQ is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for QQQY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQQY or IQQQ?

QQQY has the higher dividend yield at 36.24%, compared with 4.61% for IQQQ.

What is the main difference between QQQY and IQQQ?

They also come from different issuers: Defiance and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.99% for QQQY and 0.55% for IQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.74), 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.