DDM vs. QLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DDM (ProShares Ultra Dow30) and QLD (ProShares Ultra QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - DDM tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (200%) while QLD tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DDM returned 19.50%/yr vs 36.10%/yr for QLD. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

DDM vs. QLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra Dow30 (DDM) and ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDM achieves a 9.35% return, which is significantly lower than QLD's 42.06% return. Over the past 10 years, DDM has underperformed QLD with an annualized return of 19.50%, while QLD has yielded a comparatively higher 36.10% annualized return.

DDM

• 1D: -2.29%
• 1M: 7.27%
• YTD: 9.35%
• 6M: 9.82%
• 1Y: 36.48%
• 3Y*: 24.94%
• 5Y*: 11.93%
• 10Y*: 19.50%

QLD

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 21.54%
• YTD: 42.06%
• 6M: 37.45%
• 1Y: 85.49%
• 3Y*: 50.15%
• 5Y*: 25.75%
• 10Y*: 36.10%

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

DDM vs. QLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DDM ProShares Ultra Dow30	9.35%	20.59%	21.60%	24.34%	-19.48%	41.97%	2.14%	47.98%	-13.46%	59.56%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	42.06%	30.36%	42.82%	117.72%	-60.52%	54.67%	88.90%	81.69%	-8.31%	70.34%

Correlation

The correlation between DDM and QLD is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2006	0.77

The correlation between DDM and QLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (3 years) to 0.77 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DDM vs. QLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DDM	QLD
Financial Services	27.2%	0.2%
Industrials	18.4%	2.8%
Technology	17.1%	53.8%
Healthcare	13.1%	4.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.6%	12.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	7.7%
Basic Materials	4.0%	1.1%
Energy	2.4%	0.6%
Communication Services	1.9%	15.8%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

DDM vs. QLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDM

DDM Risk / Return Rank: 41
DDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
DDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
DDM Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
DDM Martin Ratio Rank: 42

QLD

QLD Risk / Return Rank: 69
QLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
QLD Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
QLD Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

DDM vs. QLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra Dow30 (DDM) and ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD). 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.

	DDM	QLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	2.70	-1.19
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	3.16	-0.99
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.41	-0.15
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	3.42	-1.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.97	11.92	-4.95
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DDM vs. QLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDM Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is lower than the QLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDM and QLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DDM	QLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.51	2.70	-1.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.58	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56	0.81	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.60	-0.20

Drawdowns

DDM vs. QLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDM drawdown since its inception was -81.70%, roughly equal to the maximum QLD drawdown of -83.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDM and QLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDM	QLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.70%	-83.13%	+1.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.31%	-25.13%	+5.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.62%	-42.29%	+10.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.18%	-63.68%	+23.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.13%	-63.68%	+0.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.29%	-0.53%	-1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.33%	-18.17%	+0.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.25%	7.20%	-1.95%

Volatility

DDM vs. QLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Ultra Dow30 (DDM) is 5.95%, while ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) has a volatility of 8.90%. This indicates that DDM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DDM	QLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.95%	8.90%	-2.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.62%	24.08%	-5.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.25%	31.85%	-7.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.53%	44.74%	-15.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.76%	44.56%	-9.80%

DDM vs. QLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DDM and QLD have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

DDM vs. QLD - Dividend Comparison

DDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.91%, more than QLD's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DDM ProShares Ultra Dow30	0.91%	0.94%	1.00%	0.27%	0.83%	0.18%	0.31%	0.62%	0.89%	0.68%	1.08%	1.23%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	0.12%	0.17%	0.25%	0.33%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.06%	0.02%	0.21%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDM and QLD in my portfolio?

DDM and QLD have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DDM or QLD?

QLD has higher volatility (8.90%) compared to DDM (5.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDM dropped -81.70% vs QLD's -83.13%.

Which ETF is better, DDM or QLD?

On 10-year performance, QLD leads with 36.10% vs 19.50% for DDM. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, DDM has been the lower-risk option at 5.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDM or QLD?

Over the 10-year period, QLD has performed better with a 36.10% return vs 19.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDM or QLD?

DDM and QLD have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDM or QLD?

DDM has the higher dividend yield at 0.91%, compared with 0.12% for QLD.

What is the main difference between DDM and QLD?

DDM tracks Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (200%), while QLD tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.51), 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.