QQQ vs SPYI
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPYI offers more diversification with 501 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQ | SPYI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.68% | |
| AUM | $455.8B | $10.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 11.84% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.68% | +3.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.75% | +9.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.25% | +13.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.6% | 10.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -16.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | NEOS | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Aug 29, 2022 |
QQQ vs SPYI Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) is a ETF from NEOS. Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% while SPYI returned +9.37%. Year to date, QQQ is up 19.68% versus a gain of 3.46% for SPYI.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +26.25% per year against +13.34% for SPYI. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPYI has the edge at +13.34% annualized vs +13.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 10.5% for SPYI. 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 -16.5% for SPYI. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SPYI 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 0.41% against 11.84% for SPYI.
Holdings Overlap
QQQ and SPYI share 87 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQ or SPYI?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPYI 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 SPYI?
Over the past year QQQ returned +26.75% vs +9.37% for SPYI, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), QQQ annualized +13.15% vs +13.34% for SPYI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SPYI?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.5% for SPYI. Worst drawdown: QQQ -83.0% vs SPYI -16.5%.
Should I hold both QQQ and SPYI?
QQQ and SPYI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQ and SPYI?
QQQ and SPYI share 87 common holdings with a 52.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQ or SPYI?
QQQ yields 0.41% while SPYI yields 11.84%, so SPYI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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