XAIX vs. QQQI

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) and QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos. XAIX is passively managed, while QQQI is actively managed. Over the past year, XAIX returned 38.80% vs 19.87% for QQQI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XAIX charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for QQQI.

Performance

XAIX vs. QQQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) 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, XAIX achieves a 25.38% return, which is significantly higher than QQQI's 10.04% return.

XAIX

• 1D: 2.00%
• 1M: -8.39%
• 6M: 27.50%
• YTD: 25.38%
• 1Y: 38.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 37.28%

QQQI

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

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

XAIX vs. QQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	25.38%	29.05%	15.21%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	10.04%	18.62%	12.41%

Correlation

The correlation between XAIX and QQQI is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.92

The correlation between XAIX and QQQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

XAIX vs. QQQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XAIX	QQQI
Technology	77.4%	58.9%
Communication Services	11.3%	13.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	10.5%
Financial Services	4.0%	0.2%
Industrials	0.1%	4.1%
Healthcare	0.0%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	6.2%
Basic Materials	0.0%	1.0%
Energy	0.0%	0.5%
Utilities	0.0%	1.1%
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

XAIX vs. QQQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 63
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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

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.

XAIX vs. QQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) 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.

	XAIX	QQQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	1.27	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	1.76	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.24	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.78	2.08	+0.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.84	8.34	-0.50

XAIX vs. QQQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is comparable to the QQQI Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAIX 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

XAIX vs. QQQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAIX drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, which is greater than QQQI's maximum drawdown of -20.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAIX and QQQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAIX	QQQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-20.00%	-3.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-9.61%	-4.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.72%	-3.16%	-8.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.82%	-2.22%	-1.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.96%	2.39%	+2.57%

Volatility

XAIX vs. QQQI - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) has a higher volatility of 10.24% compared to NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) at 6.40%. This indicates that XAIX'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

	XAIX	QQQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.24%	6.40%	+3.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.78%	13.06%	+9.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.41%	15.68%	+9.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.04%	17.62%	+7.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.04%	17.62%	+7.42%

XAIX vs. QQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

XAIX has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than QQQI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

XAIX vs. QQQI - Dividend Comparison

XAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, less than QQQI's 13.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.81%	13.82%	12.85%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.41%	0.54%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XAIX and QQQI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, XAIX 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, XAIX or QQQI?

XAIX has higher volatility (10.24%) compared to QQQI (6.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAIX dropped -23.95% vs QQQI's -20.00%.

Which ETF is better, XAIX or QQQI?

On 1-year performance, XAIX leads with 38.80% vs 19.87% for QQQI. On fees, XAIX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 6.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAIX or QQQI?

Over the 1-year period, XAIX has performed better with a 38.80% return vs 19.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAIX or QQQI?

XAIX is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for QQQI.

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

QQQI has the higher dividend yield at 13.81%, compared with 0.41% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between XAIX and QQQI?

XAIX is categorized as Technology Equities, while QQQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Neos. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XAIX and 0.68% for QQQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 1.27), 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.