QQQI vs SCHD
NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQI offers more diversification with 106 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $14.2B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.38% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.73% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.65% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | NEOS | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QQQI vs SCHD Performance
NEOS Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (QQQI) is a ETF from NEOS and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQQI returned +17.65% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, QQQI is up 9.73% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% 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 -20.0% for QQQI and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQI charges 0.68% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $6 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQI currently yields 14.38% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQI and SCHD share 8 holdings out of 195 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQI or SCHD?
QQQI has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQI or SCHD?
Over the past year QQQI returned +17.65% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQI annualized +18.39% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 12.6% for QQQI. Worst drawdown: QQQI -20.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QQQI and SCHD?
QQQI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQI and SCHD?
QQQI and SCHD share 8 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 195 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQI or SCHD?
QQQI yields 14.38% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so QQQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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