IQQQ vs. SPXL

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

IQQQ (ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Daily Covered Call Index, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IQQQ returned 26.55% vs 48.17% for SPXL. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IQQQ charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IQQQ achieves a 12.97% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 14.56% return.

IQQQ

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: -4.09%
• YTD: 12.97%
• 6M: 11.34%
• 1Y: 26.55%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPXL

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: -11.42%
• YTD: 14.56%
• 6M: 10.31%
• 1Y: 48.17%
• 3Y*: 44.34%
• 5Y*: 19.91%
• 10Y*: 30.05%

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

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	12.97%	17.11%	14.82%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	14.56%	31.94%	31.41%

Correlation

The correlation between IQQQ and SPXL is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2024	0.93

The correlation between IQQQ and SPXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IQQQ vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQQQ

IQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 51
IQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
IQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
IQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
IQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
IQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 42
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 40
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). 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.

	IQQQ	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.60	1.35	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.12	1.84	+0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.24	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	1.88	+0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.28	7.54	+0.74

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQQQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.60, which is comparable to the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQQQ and SPXL, 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

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQQQ drawdown since its inception was -20.41%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQQQ and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQQQ	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.41%	-76.86%	+56.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.13%	-26.77%	+15.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-48.95%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-63.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-76.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.13%	-12.46%	+7.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.63%	-16.09%	+12.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	6.67%	-3.39%

Volatility

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) is 8.24%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) has a volatility of 14.54%. This indicates that IQQQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IQQQ	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.24%	14.54%	-6.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.60%	29.44%	-15.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.03%	37.26%	-20.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.05%	50.52%	-31.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.05%	53.42%	-34.37%

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQQQ has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQQQ vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

IQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, more than SPXL's 0.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	4.65%	10.34%	7.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.57%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQQQ and SPXL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IQQQ and SPXL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IQQQ or SPXL?

SPXL has higher volatility (14.54%) compared to IQQQ (8.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQQQ dropped -20.41% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, IQQQ or SPXL?

On 1-year performance, SPXL leads with 48.17% vs 26.55% for IQQQ. On fees, IQQQ is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, IQQQ has been the lower-risk option at 8.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IQQQ or SPXL?

Over the 1-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 48.17% return vs 26.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQQQ or SPXL?

IQQQ is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for SPXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IQQQ or SPXL?

IQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.65%, compared with 0.57% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between IQQQ and SPXL?

IQQQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while SPXL is Leveraged Equities. IQQQ tracks Nasdaq-100 Daily Covered Call Index, while SPXL tracks S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for IQQQ and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.60 vs 1.35), 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.