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NQ=F vs. ES=F
Performance
Return for Risk
Drawdowns
Volatility

Performance

NQ=F vs. ES=F - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F) and E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES=F). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

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Returns By Period


NQ=F

1D
1M
YTD
6M
1Y
3Y*
5Y*
10Y*

ES=F

1D
1M
YTD
6M
1Y
3Y*
5Y*
10Y*
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

NQ=F vs. ES=F - Yearly Performance Comparison


2023 (YTD)202220212020201920182017201620152014
NQ=F
E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures
24.43%-32.46%26.66%47.22%38.20%-1.18%31.76%6.02%8.39%18.11%
ES=F
E-mini S&P 500 Futures
7.45%-18.86%26.94%16.02%28.97%-6.38%19.66%9.86%-0.83%11.49%

Correlation

The correlation between NQ=F and ES=F is 0.94, 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

0.94

Correlation (3Y)
Calculated over the trailing 3-year period

0.91

Correlation (5Y)
Calculated over the trailing 5-year period

0.91

Correlation (10Y)
Calculated over the trailing 10-year period

0.89

Correlation (All Time)
Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2003

0.88

The correlation between NQ=F and ES=F has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

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Return for Risk

NQ=F vs. ES=F - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F) and E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES=F). 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.


Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

NQ=F vs. ES=F - Sharpe Ratio Comparison


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Drawdowns

NQ=F vs. ES=F - Drawdown Comparison


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Volatility

NQ=F vs. ES=F - Volatility Comparison


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Frequently Asked Questions


With a correlation of 0.94, NQ=F and ES=F 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.

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