EXEL vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EXEL (Exelixis, Inc.) is a stock, while QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) is Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 10 years, EXEL returned 20.91%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for QQQ. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

EXEL vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with EXEL having a 17.13% return and QQQ slightly lower at 16.45%. Over the past 10 years, EXEL has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 20.91%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.07% annualized return.

EXEL

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: 17.13%
• 6M: 10.15%
• 1Y: 18.38%
• 3Y*: 37.24%
• 5Y*: 17.56%
• 10Y*: 20.91%

QQQ

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 6M: 14.99%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 26.05%
• 5Y*: 16.01%
• 10Y*: 22.07%

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

EXEL vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EXEL Exelixis, Inc.	17.13%	31.62%	38.81%	49.56%	-12.25%	-8.92%	13.90%	-10.42%	-35.30%	103.89%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.45%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between EXEL and QQQ is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 17, 2000	0.43

The correlation between EXEL and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.22 (3 years) to 0.43 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

EXEL vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

EXEL

EXEL Risk / Return Rank: 57
EXEL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
EXEL Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EXEL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
EXEL Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
EXEL Martin Ratio Rank: 61

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

EXEL vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	EXEL	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.47	1.95	-1.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.86	2.57	-1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.35	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.73	2.93	-2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.77	10.86	-9.10

EXEL vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EXEL Sharpe Ratio is 0.47, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EXEL and QQQ, 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

EXEL vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EXEL drawdown since its inception was -97.38%, which is greater than QQQ's maximum drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EXEL and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	EXEL	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-97.38%	-82.97%	-14.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.16%	-11.96%	-13.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.34%	-22.77%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.12%	-35.12%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-57.20%	-35.12%	-22.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.04%	-4.25%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.96%	-32.73%	-38.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.42%	3.22%	+7.20%

Volatility

EXEL vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 9.38% and 9.17%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EXEL	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.38%	9.17%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.53%	14.57%	+10.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.28%	17.96%	+22.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.17%	22.69%	+14.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.48%	22.42%	+22.06%

Dividends

EXEL vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

EXEL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EXEL Exelixis, Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EXEL and QQQ in my portfolio?

EXEL and QQQ have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EXEL or QQQ?

EXEL has higher volatility (9.38%) compared to QQQ (9.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EXEL dropped -97.38% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 0.47), 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.