MQQQ vs. IDEF

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

MQQQ (Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF) and IDEF (iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MQQQ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%), while IDEF is a Aerospace & Defense fund actively managed by iShares. MQQQ is passively managed, while IDEF is actively managed. Over the past year, MQQQ returned 83.05% vs 26.48% for IDEF. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MQQQ charges 1.30%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for IDEF.

Performance

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF (MQQQ) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MQQQ achieves a 39.32% return, which is significantly higher than IDEF's 7.47% return.

MQQQ

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 20.59%
• YTD: 39.32%
• 6M: 35.46%
• 1Y: 83.05%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IDEF

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -0.72%
• YTD: 7.47%
• 6M: 13.45%
• 1Y: 26.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MQQQ Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF	39.32%	36.20%
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	7.47%	23.05%

Correlation

The correlation between MQQQ and IDEF is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 22, 2025	0.57

The correlation between MQQQ and IDEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MQQQ vs. IDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MQQQ

MQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 68
MQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
MQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
MQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 65
MQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
MQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 66

IDEF

IDEF Risk / Return Rank: 35
IDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
IDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
IDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
IDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF (MQQQ) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF). 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.

	MQQQ	IDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	1.27	+1.33
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	1.85	+1.22
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.22	+0.18
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	1.88	+1.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.24	4.95	+7.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MQQQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.60, which is higher than the IDEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.27. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MQQQ and IDEF, 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

	MQQQ	IDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.60	1.27	+1.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.33	1.50	-0.17

Drawdowns

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MQQQ drawdown since its inception was -42.16%, which is greater than IDEF's maximum drawdown of -14.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MQQQ and IDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MQQQ	IDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.16%	-14.63%	-27.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.23%	-14.63%	-10.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-10.02%	+10.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.18%	-3.87%	-3.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.00%	5.56%	+1.44%

Volatility

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Volatility Comparison

Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF (MQQQ) has a higher volatility of 8.50% compared to iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) at 7.46%. This indicates that MQQQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IDEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MQQQ	IDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.50%	7.46%	+1.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.50%	17.96%	+6.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.19%	21.00%	+11.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.26%	20.94%	+22.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.26%	20.94%	+22.32%

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MQQQ has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than IDEF's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

MQQQ vs. IDEF - Dividend Comparison

MQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.45%, more than IDEF's 0.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	0.16%	0.17%	0.00%
MQQQ Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF	1.45%	2.02%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MQQQ and IDEF in my portfolio?

MQQQ and IDEF have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MQQQ or IDEF?

MQQQ has higher volatility (8.50%) compared to IDEF (7.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MQQQ dropped -42.16% vs IDEF's -14.63%.

Which ETF is better, MQQQ or IDEF?

On 1-year performance, MQQQ leads with 83.05% vs 26.48% for IDEF. On fees, IDEF is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, IDEF has been the lower-risk option at 7.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MQQQ or IDEF?

Over the 1-year period, MQQQ has performed better with a 83.05% return vs 26.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MQQQ or IDEF?

IDEF is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for MQQQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MQQQ or IDEF?

MQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 1.45%, compared with 0.16% for IDEF.

What is the main difference between MQQQ and IDEF?

MQQQ is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while IDEF is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: AXS and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.30% for MQQQ and 0.55% for IDEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 1.27), 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.