PEX vs. IQQQ

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PEX (ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF) and IQQQ (ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PEX is a Financials Equities fund tracking the LPX Direct Listed Private Equity Index, while IQQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Daily Covered Call Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PEX returned -14.95% vs 24.13% for IQQQ. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PEX charges 3.13%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for IQQQ.

Performance

PEX vs. IQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PEX achieves a -7.84% return, which is significantly lower than IQQQ's 12.64% return.

PEX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 3.24%
• 6M: -10.07%
• YTD: -7.84%
• 1Y: -14.95%
• 3Y*: 4.15%
• 5Y*: 0.32%
• 10Y*: 4.92%

IQQQ

• 1D: -1.64%
• 1M: -3.09%
• 6M: 11.42%
• YTD: 12.64%
• 1Y: 24.13%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PEX vs. IQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PEX ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF	-7.84%	0.21%	10.08%
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	12.64%	17.11%	14.82%

Correlation

The correlation between PEX and IQQQ is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2024	0.52

The correlation between PEX and IQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PEX vs. IQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEX

PEX Risk / Return Rank: 3
PEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
PEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
PEX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
PEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
PEX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

IQQQ

IQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 48
IQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
IQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
IQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 44
IQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
IQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

PEX vs. IQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) and ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ). 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.

	PEX	IQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.94	1.37	-2.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.25	1.85	-3.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.24	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	2.18	-2.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.07	7.13	-8.20

PEX vs. IQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEX Sharpe Ratio is -0.94, which is lower than the IQQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEX and IQQQ, 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

PEX vs. IQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEX drawdown since its inception was -49.17%, which is greater than IQQQ's maximum drawdown of -20.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEX and IQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEX	IQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.17%	-20.41%	-28.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.72%	-11.13%	-13.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.70%	-5.41%	-11.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.31%	-3.63%	-4.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.93%	3.39%	+10.54%

Volatility

PEX vs. IQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) is 3.97%, while ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF (IQQQ) has a volatility of 7.12%. This indicates that PEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IQQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEX	IQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	7.12%	-3.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.62%	14.46%	-0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.97%	17.70%	-1.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.01%	19.16%	-1.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.25%	19.16%	+0.09%

PEX vs. IQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEX has a 3.13% expense ratio, which is higher than IQQQ's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEX vs. IQQQ - Dividend Comparison

PEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.61%, more than IQQQ's 5.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IQQQ ProShares Nasdaq-100 High Income ETF	5.30%	10.34%	7.27%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PEX ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF	8.61%	12.80%	14.11%	13.02%	1.77%	13.64%	5.52%	7.94%	4.72%	24.26%	3.24%	12.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEX and IQQQ in my portfolio?

PEX and IQQQ have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PEX or IQQQ?

IQQQ has higher volatility (7.12%) compared to PEX (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEX dropped -49.17% vs IQQQ's -20.41%.

Which ETF is better, PEX or IQQQ?

On 1-year performance, IQQQ leads with 24.13% vs -14.95% for PEX. On fees, IQQQ is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, PEX has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PEX or IQQQ?

Over the 1-year period, IQQQ has performed better with a 24.13% return vs -14.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PEX or IQQQ?

IQQQ is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 3.13% for PEX.

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

PEX has the higher dividend yield at 8.61%, compared with 5.30% for IQQQ.

What is the main difference between PEX and IQQQ?

PEX is categorized as Financials Equities, while IQQQ is Nasdaq-100. PEX tracks LPX Direct Listed Private Equity Index, while IQQQ tracks Nasdaq-100 Daily Covered Call Index. Their fees differ too: 3.13% for PEX and 0.55% for IQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs -0.94), 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.