NQ=F vs. QQQ
Compare and contrast key facts about E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ).
QQQ is a passively managed fund by Invesco that tracks the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index. It was launched on Mar 10, 1999.
Performance
NQ=F vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
NQ=F vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NQ=F E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures | -4.99% | 19.93% | 24.69% | 54.45% | -32.46% | 26.66% | 47.22% | 38.20% | -1.18% | 31.76% |
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF | -4.76% | 20.77% | 25.58% | 54.86% | -32.58% | 27.42% | 48.62% | 38.96% | -0.13% | 32.66% |
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with NQ=F having a -4.99% return and QQQ slightly higher at -4.76%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with NQ=F having a 18.24% annualized return and QQQ not far ahead at 18.99%.
NQ=F
- 1D
- 1.14%
- 1M
- -3.35%
- YTD
- -4.99%
- 6M
- -3.32%
- 1Y
- 23.38%
- 3Y*
- 22.06%
- 5Y*
- 12.68%
- 10Y*
- 18.24%
QQQ
- 1D
- 1.24%
- 1M
- -3.79%
- YTD
- -4.76%
- 6M
- -2.89%
- 1Y
- 24.21%
- 3Y*
- 22.83%
- 5Y*
- 13.16%
- 10Y*
- 18.99%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
NQ=F vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank
NQ=F
QQQ
NQ=F vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F) 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.
| NQ=F | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.02 | 1.07 | -0.05 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.60 | 1.66 | -0.06 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.24 | -0.01 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.41 | 2.00 | +0.41 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.99 | 7.32 | +1.67 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| NQ=F | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.02 | 1.07 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.56 | 0.59 | -0.03 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.82 | 0.86 | -0.04 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.90 | 0.38 | +0.53 |
Correlation
The correlation between NQ=F and QQQ is 0.98, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Drawdowns
NQ=F vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum NQ=F drawdown since its inception was -35.28%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NQ=F and QQQ.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| NQ=F | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -35.28% | -82.97% | +47.69% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.72% | -12.62% | -0.10% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -35.28% | -35.12% | -0.16% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -35.28% | -35.12% | -0.16% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -7.90% | -7.86% | -0.04% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.15% | -32.99% | +27.84% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.18% | 3.44% | -0.26% |
Volatility
NQ=F vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for E-Mini Nasdaq 100 Futures (NQ=F) is 6.23%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 6.61%. This indicates that NQ=F experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| NQ=F | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.23% | 6.61% | -0.38% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.64% | 12.82% | -0.18% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.19% | 22.70% | -0.51% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.48% | 22.38% | +0.10% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.24% | 22.25% | -0.01% |