^NDX vs. NQ=F

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

^NDX (NASDAQ 100 Index) is an index, while NQ=F (E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures) is an asset. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure.

Performance

^NDX vs. NQ=F - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NASDAQ 100 Index (^NDX) and E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

^NDX

• 1D: 2.48%
• 1M: 5.51%
• YTD: 20.42%
• 6M: 21.53%
• 1Y: 39.99%
• 3Y*: 26.32%
• 5Y*: 16.70%
• 10Y*: 21.32%

NQ=F

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

^NDX vs. NQ=F - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
^NDX NASDAQ 100 Index	20.42%	20.17%	24.88%	53.81%	-32.97%	26.63%	47.58%	37.96%	-1.04%	31.52%
NQ=F E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	24.43%	-32.46%	26.66%	47.22%	38.20%	-1.18%	31.76%

Correlation

The correlation between ^NDX and NQ=F is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2003	0.89

The correlation between ^NDX and NQ=F shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (5 years) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

^NDX vs. NQ=F — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

^NDX

^NDX Risk / Return Rank: 82
^NDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
^NDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
^NDX Omega Ratio Rank: 83
^NDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
^NDX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

NQ=F

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

^NDX vs. NQ=F - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NASDAQ 100 Index (^NDX) and E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	^NDX	NQ=F	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.31	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.29	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	^NDX	NQ=F	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.83%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.60%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.26%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	^NDX	NQ=F	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.49%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.35%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.71%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.84%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.65%	—	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ^NDX and NQ=F in my portfolio?

^NDX and NQ=F have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.