DAT vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

DAT (ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both exchange-traded funds - DAT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the FactSet Big Data Refiners Index, while SQQQ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DAT returned 14.15%/yr vs -51.78%/yr for SQQQ. At a correlation of -0.72, they often move in opposite directions. DAT charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for SQQQ.

Performance

DAT vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF (DAT) and ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAT achieves a -1.27% return, which is significantly higher than SQQQ's -40.27% return.

DAT

• 1D: 1.44%
• 1M: 7.50%
• 6M: -0.95%
• YTD: -1.27%
• 1Y: -1.09%
• 3Y*: 14.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SQQQ

• 1D: 5.74%
• 1M: 1.37%
• 6M: -36.57%
• YTD: -40.27%
• 1Y: -56.10%
• 3Y*: -51.78%
• 5Y*: -45.66%
• 10Y*: -55.28%

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

DAT vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DAT ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF	-1.27%	3.49%	33.22%	51.76%	-44.33%	-4.44%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-40.27%	-53.05%	-49.79%	-73.61%	82.40%	-30.44%

Correlation

The correlation between DAT and SQQQ is -0.49, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	-0.72

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between DAT and SQQQ has weakened: their correlation has moved from -0.72 to -0.49, meaning they move in opposite directions less often than they have historically.

DAT vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DAT	SQQQ
Technology	96.9%	-
Communication Services	2.3%	-
Utilities	1.2%	-
Healthcare	0.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	109.1%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

DAT vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

DAT

DAT Risk / Return Rank: 9
DAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
DAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
DAT Omega Ratio Rank: 9
DAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
DAT Martin Ratio Rank: 9

SQQQ

SQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 1
SQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
SQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 0

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.

DAT vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF (DAT) and ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ). 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.

	DAT	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.04	-1.01	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.17	-1.69	+1.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	0.82	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	-0.92	+0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.07	-1.71	+1.64

DAT vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DAT Sharpe Ratio is -0.04, which is higher than the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DAT and SQQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DAT vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAT drawdown since its inception was -56.22%, smaller than the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAT and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAT	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.22%	-100.00%	+43.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.70%	-61.03%	+26.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.73%	-92.51%	+57.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-97.27%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.37%	-100.00%	+91.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.94%	-92.75%	+66.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.73%	32.78%	-17.05%

Volatility

DAT vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF (DAT) is 9.01%, while ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) has a volatility of 26.05%. This indicates that DAT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SQQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DAT	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.01%	26.05%	-17.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.31%	45.88%	-19.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.92%	55.64%	-24.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.96%	67.87%	-33.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.96%	66.56%	-32.60%

DAT vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAT has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than SQQQ's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAT vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

DAT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.00%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DAT ProShares Big Data Refiners ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	10.00%	9.36%	10.23%	8.01%	0.28%	0.00%	2.15%	2.92%	1.47%	0.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAT and SQQQ in my portfolio?

DAT and SQQQ have a correlation of -0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DAT or SQQQ?

SQQQ has higher volatility (26.05%) compared to DAT (9.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAT dropped -56.22% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, DAT or SQQQ?

On 3-year performance, DAT leads with 14.15% vs -51.78% for SQQQ. On fees, DAT is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, DAT has been the lower-risk option at 9.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DAT or SQQQ?

Over the 3-year period, DAT has performed better with a 14.15% return vs -51.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAT or SQQQ?

DAT is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SQQQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DAT or SQQQ?

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.00%, compared with 0.00% for DAT.

What is the main difference between DAT and SQQQ?

DAT is categorized as Technology Equities, while SQQQ is Leveraged Equities. DAT tracks FactSet Big Data Refiners Index, while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DAT and 0.95% for SQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DAT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.04 vs -1.01), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.