MQQQ vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

MQQQ (Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds - MQQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%) while SOXL tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MQQQ returned 57.36% vs 928.01% for SOXL. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MQQQ charges 1.30%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

MQQQ vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF (MQQQ) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MQQQ achieves a 27.29% return, which is significantly lower than SOXL's 501.02% return.

MQQQ

• 1D: 1.51%
• 1M: -4.79%
• YTD: 27.29%
• 6M: 23.34%
• 1Y: 57.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXL

• 1D: 10.04%
• 1M: 11.88%
• YTD: 501.02%
• 6M: 471.39%
• 1Y: 928.01%
• 3Y*: 126.70%
• 5Y*: 44.97%
• 10Y*: 68.12%

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

MQQQ vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MQQQ Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF	27.29%	31.67%	16.76%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	501.02%	54.91%	-29.27%

Correlation

The correlation between MQQQ and SOXL is 0.80, 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	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 3, 2024	0.82

The correlation between MQQQ and SOXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.80 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MQQQ vs. SOXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MQQQ

MQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 51
MQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 49
MQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
MQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 52

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF (MQQQ) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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.

	MQQQ	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	8.03	-6.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	3.97	-1.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.57	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	21.57	-19.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.93	68.63	-60.69

MQQQ vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MQQQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is lower than the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 8.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MQQQ and SOXL, 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

MQQQ vs. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MQQQ drawdown since its inception was -42.16%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MQQQ and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MQQQ	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.16%	-90.46%	+48.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.23%	-43.47%	+18.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-87.88%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-90.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-90.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.64%	-16.01%	+7.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.17%	-34.94%	+27.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.25%	13.64%	-6.39%

Volatility

MQQQ vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF (MQQQ) is 17.60%, while Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a volatility of 66.73%. This indicates that MQQQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MQQQ	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.60%	66.73%	-49.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.00%	99.97%	-70.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.86%	116.70%	-80.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	44.34%	110.41%	-66.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.34%	100.63%	-56.29%

MQQQ vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MQQQ has a 1.30% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

MQQQ vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

MQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.58%, while SOXL has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
MQQQ Tradr 2X Long Triple Q Monthly ETF	1.58%	2.02%	0.02%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.00%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MQQQ and SOXL in my portfolio?

MQQQ and SOXL have a correlation of 0.80, 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 SOXL?

SOXL has higher volatility (66.73%) compared to MQQQ (17.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MQQQ dropped -42.16% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, MQQQ or SOXL?

On 1-year performance, SOXL leads with 928.01% vs 57.36% for MQQQ. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, MQQQ has been the lower-risk option at 17.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MQQQ or SOXL?

Over the 1-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 928.01% return vs 57.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MQQQ or SOXL?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 1.30% for MQQQ.

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

MQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 1.58%, compared with 0.00% for SOXL.

What is the main difference between MQQQ and SOXL?

MQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%), while SOXL tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: AXS and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 1.30% for MQQQ and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.03 vs 1.61), 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.