MLPI vs QQQ
NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLPI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $813M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.49% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.58% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.09% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 111.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.4% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | NEOS | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
MLPI vs QQQ Performance
NEOS MLP & Energy Infrastructure High Income ETF (MLPI) is a ETF from NEOS and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MLPI returned +9.09% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, MLPI is up 7.58% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLPI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 111.3% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -81.4% for MLPI and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLPI charges 0.68% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $18 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPI currently yields 8.49% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
MLPI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 127 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MLPI or QQQ?
MLPI has an expense ratio of 0.68% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MLPI or QQQ?
Over the past year MLPI returned +9.09% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MLPI annualized +8.47% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MLPI or QQQ?
MLPI has been the more volatile fund at 111.3% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: MLPI -81.4% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both MLPI and QQQ?
MLPI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MLPI and QQQ?
MLPI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPI or QQQ?
MLPI yields 8.49% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so MLPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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