YMAX vs. QQQI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

YMAX (YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs) and QQQI (NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - YMAX is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax, while QQQI is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Neos. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, YMAX returned 1.21% vs 25.86% for QQQI. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. YMAX charges 1.28%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for QQQI.

Performance

YMAX vs. QQQI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs (YMAX) 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, YMAX achieves a -0.45% return, which is significantly lower than QQQI's 10.58% return.

YMAX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: -0.45%
• 6M: -2.72%
• 1Y: 1.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQI

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 10.58%
• 6M: 11.20%
• 1Y: 25.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

YMAX vs. QQQI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
YMAX YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs	-0.45%	6.04%	21.62%
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	10.58%	18.62%	19.44%

Correlation

The correlation between YMAX and QQQI is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2024	0.82

The correlation between YMAX and QQQI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

YMAX vs. QQQI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	YMAX	QQQI
Technology	68.7%	53.3%
Financial Services	13.8%	0.3%
Communication Services	6.9%	15.7%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	12.1%
Basic Materials	2.2%	1.2%
Industrials	1.9%	3.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	7.7%
Healthcare	0.8%	4.3%
Utilities	0.2%	1.5%
Energy	0.1%	0.7%
Real Estate	0.0%	0.1%

Return for Risk

YMAX vs. QQQI — Risk / Return Rank

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

YMAX

YMAX Risk / Return Rank: 10
YMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
YMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
YMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
YMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
YMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

QQQI

QQQI Risk / Return Rank: 65
QQQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
QQQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
QQQI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QQQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
QQQI Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

YMAX vs. QQQI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs (YMAX) 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.

	YMAX	QQQI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.05	1.84	-1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.23	2.43	-2.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.34	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.05	2.70	-2.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.11	11.63	-11.52

YMAX vs. QQQI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current YMAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.05, which is lower than the QQQI Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of YMAX 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

YMAX vs. QQQI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YMAX drawdown since its inception was -26.13%, which is greater than QQQI's maximum drawdown of -20.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YMAX and QQQI.

Drawdown Indicators

	YMAX	QQQI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.13%	-20.00%	-6.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.13%	-9.61%	-16.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.74%	-2.69%	-9.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.37%	-2.21%	-4.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.14%	2.23%	+8.91%

Volatility

YMAX vs. QQQI - Volatility Comparison

YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs (YMAX) has a higher volatility of 10.24% compared to NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) at 6.10%. This indicates that YMAX'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

	YMAX	QQQI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.24%	6.10%	+4.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.15%	11.35%	+7.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.11%	14.10%	+9.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.49%	17.34%	+6.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.49%	17.34%	+6.15%

YMAX vs. QQQI - Expense Ratio Comparison

YMAX has a 1.28% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

YMAX vs. QQQI - Dividend Comparison

YMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 75.03%, more than QQQI's 13.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QQQI NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	13.53%	13.82%	12.85%
YMAX YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs	75.03%	78.70%	44.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YMAX and QQQI in my portfolio?

YMAX and QQQI have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, YMAX or QQQI?

YMAX has higher volatility (10.24%) compared to QQQI (6.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, YMAX dropped -26.13% vs QQQI's -20.00%.

Which ETF is better, YMAX or QQQI?

On 1-year performance, QQQI leads with 25.86% vs 1.21% for YMAX. On fees, QQQI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, QQQI has been the lower-risk option at 6.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, YMAX or QQQI?

Over the 1-year period, QQQI has performed better with a 25.86% return vs 1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, YMAX or QQQI?

QQQI is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 1.28% for YMAX.

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

YMAX has the higher dividend yield at 75.03%, compared with 13.53% for QQQI.

What is the main difference between YMAX and QQQI?

YMAX is categorized as Derivative Income, while QQQI is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and Neos. Their fees differ too: 1.28% for YMAX and 0.68% for QQQI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 0.05), 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.