EFU vs. QLD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

EFU (ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE) and QLD (ProShares Ultra QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - EFU tracks the MSCI EAFE Index (-200%) while QLD tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EFU returned -19.44%/yr vs 34.28%/yr for QLD. At a correlation of -0.69, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

EFU vs. QLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE (EFU) 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, EFU achieves a -16.99% return, which is significantly lower than QLD's 28.12% return. Over the past 10 years, EFU has underperformed QLD with an annualized return of -19.44%, while QLD has yielded a comparatively higher 34.28% annualized return.

EFU

• 1D: 2.21%
• 1M: 0.63%
• 6M: -11.26%
• YTD: -16.99%
• 1Y: -29.23%
• 3Y*: -22.50%
• 5Y*: -15.55%
• 10Y*: -19.44%

QLD

• 1D: -3.81%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: 23.12%
• YTD: 28.12%
• 1Y: 52.34%
• 3Y*: 39.12%
• 5Y*: 19.39%
• 10Y*: 34.28%

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

EFU vs. QLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EFU ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE	-16.99%	-41.07%	-1.04%	-25.36%	24.26%	-24.58%	-35.54%	-32.71%	32.32%	-36.87%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	28.12%	30.36%	42.82%	117.72%	-60.52%	54.67%	88.90%	81.69%	-8.31%	70.34%

Correlation

The correlation between EFU and QLD is -0.67, 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	-0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2007	-0.69

The correlation between EFU and QLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.69 to -0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EFU vs. QLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

EFU

EFU Risk / Return Rank: 2
EFU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
EFU Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
EFU Omega Ratio Rank: 3
EFU Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
EFU Martin Ratio Rank: 2

QLD

QLD Risk / Return Rank: 50
QLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
QLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
QLD Omega Ratio Rank: 48
QLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QLD Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

EFU vs. QLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE (EFU) 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.

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.

	EFU	QLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.90	1.42	-2.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.22	1.90	-3.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.25	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.84	2.09	-2.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.35	6.85	-8.21

EFU vs. QLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EFU Sharpe Ratio is -0.90, which is lower than the QLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EFU 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.

Drawdowns

EFU vs. QLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EFU drawdown since its inception was -99.38%, which is greater than QLD's maximum drawdown of -83.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EFU and QLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	EFU	QLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.38%	-83.13%	-16.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.10%	-25.13%	-9.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-65.34%	-42.29%	-23.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-76.14%	-63.68%	-12.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-89.28%	-63.68%	-25.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.35%	-10.29%	-89.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-87.18%	-18.11%	-69.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	21.61%	7.66%	+13.95%

Volatility

EFU vs. QLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE (EFU) is 10.45%, while ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) has a volatility of 17.17%. This indicates that EFU 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

	EFU	QLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.45%	17.17%	-6.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.49%	30.63%	-2.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.59%	37.07%	-4.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.63%	45.56%	-11.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.57%	44.86%	-11.29%

EFU vs. QLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EFU vs. QLD - Dividend Comparison

EFU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.94%, more than QLD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EFU ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE	4.94%	5.57%	3.87%	6.41%	1.47%	0.00%	0.06%	0.95%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	0.13%	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 EFU and QLD in my portfolio?

EFU and QLD have a correlation of -0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EFU or QLD?

QLD has higher volatility (17.17%) compared to EFU (10.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EFU dropped -99.38% vs QLD's -83.13%.

Which ETF is better, EFU or QLD?

On 10-year performance, QLD leads with 34.28% vs -19.44% for EFU. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, EFU has been the lower-risk option at 10.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EFU or QLD?

Over the 10-year period, QLD has performed better with a 34.28% return vs -19.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EFU or QLD?

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

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

EFU has the higher dividend yield at 4.94%, compared with 0.13% for QLD.

What is the main difference between EFU and QLD?

EFU tracks MSCI EAFE Index (-200%), while QLD tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs -0.90), 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.