QYLD vs QQQI: Which Pays More, and Which Returned More?
The original Nasdaq covered call fund vs the tax-optimized newcomer.
Side by Side
QYLD vs QQQI
| QYLD | QQQI | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | ETF | NEOS |
| Price | $18.09 | $55.36 |
| Forward yield | 11.8% | 13.7% |
| Trailing 12-month yield | 11.6% | 13.8% |
| Payout frequency | monthly | monthly |
| Next ex-date | Jul 21, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 |
| 1-year total return (DRIP) | +22.0% | +22.8% |
| Total return since Jan 30, 2024 (DRIP) | +37.3% | +56.8% |
| Annualized return (DRIP) | +14.0% | +20.4% |
| Price-only return (no dividends) | +2.1% | +11.1% |
QYLD vs QQQI
$10,000 invested Jan 30, 2024 to Jul 2, 2026, all dividends reinvested
QYLD vs QQQI: Common Questions
Which pays a higher yield, QYLD or QQQI?
Based on recent distributions annualized against the current price, QYLD has a forward yield of about 11.8% and QQQI about 13.7%, so QQQI currently pays the higher yield. Distribution rates change over time, especially for option income funds.
Which had the better total return, QYLD or QQQI?
From Jan 30, 2024 to Jul 2, 2026, $10,000 with all distributions reinvested grew to $13,734 in QYLD (+37.3%) versus $15,679 in QQQI (+56.8%). QQQI had the better total return over this shared window. Past performance does not predict future results.
How often do QYLD and QQQI pay distributions?
QYLD pays monthly and QQQI pays monthly. Check each fund page for the next expected ex-dividend date.
Related Comparisons
All figures are computed from split-adjusted prices and actual distributions with reinvestment on the ex-date, over the longest window both funds share (up to 5 years). Nothing on this page is investment advice. See how these numbers are calculated.