QQQ vs QQQI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | QQQI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.68% | |
| AUM | $496.3B | $14.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 14.38% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | +16.64% | +9.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +18.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 12.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -20.0% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | NEOS | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 30, 2024 |
QQQ vs QQQI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) is a ETF from NEOS. Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% while QQQI returned +18.45%. Year to date, QQQ is up 16.64% versus a gain of 9.52% for QQQI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.6% for QQQI. 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 -83.0% for QQQ and -20.0% for QQQI. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while QQQI charges 0.68%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $68 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 14.38% for QQQI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and QQQI share 99 holdings out of 106 unique holdings combined, representing a 93.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or QQQI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while QQQI charges 0.68%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQ or QQQI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +27.27% vs +18.45% for QQQI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQ annualized +13.03% vs +18.26% for QQQI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or QQQI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.6% for QQQI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs QQQI -20.0%.
Should I hold both QQQ and QQQI?
QQQ and QQQI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and QQQI?
QQQ and QQQI share 99 common holdings with a 93.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or QQQI?
QQQ yields 0.44% while QQQI yields 14.38%, so QQQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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