PSQ vs. ^NDX
PSQ (ProShares Short QQQ) is Inverse Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%), while ^NDX (NASDAQ 100 Index) is an index. Over the past 10 years, PSQ returned -19.23%/yr vs 21.09%/yr for ^NDX. At a correlation of -0.99, they often move in opposite directions.
Performance
PSQ vs. ^NDX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PSQ achieves a -16.45% return, which is significantly lower than ^NDX's 21.07% return. Over the past 10 years, PSQ has underperformed ^NDX with an annualized return of -19.23%, while ^NDX has yielded a comparatively higher 21.09% annualized return.
PSQ
- 1D
- 0.28%
- 1M
- -9.35%
- YTD
- -16.45%
- 6M
- -14.96%
- 1Y
- -26.29%
- 3Y*
- -18.98%
- 5Y*
- -14.55%
- 10Y*
- -19.23%
^NDX
- 1D
- -0.29%
- 1M
- 10.56%
- YTD
- 21.07%
- 6M
- 19.39%
- 1Y
- 41.12%
- 3Y*
- 28.09%
- 5Y*
- 17.29%
- 10Y*
- 21.09%
PSQ vs. ^NDX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ | -16.45% | -15.51% | -15.68% | -32.01% | 36.40% | -24.84% | -41.23% | -27.49% | -2.34% | -24.77% |
^NDX NASDAQ 100 Index | 21.07% | 20.17% | 24.88% | 53.81% | -32.97% | 26.63% | 47.58% | 37.96% | -1.04% | 31.52% |
Correlation
The correlation between PSQ and ^NDX is -1.00, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -1.00 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -1.00 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -1.00 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -1.00 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2006 | -0.99 |
The correlation between PSQ and ^NDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -1.00 to -0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
PSQ vs. ^NDX — Risk / Return Rank
PSQ
^NDX
PSQ vs. ^NDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and NASDAQ 100 Index (^NDX). 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.
| PSQ | ^NDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -4.22 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -5.83 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.74 | 1.44 | -0.70 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.98 | 3.41 | -4.39 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -2.12 | 13.03 | -15.15 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
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Sharpe Ratios by Period
| PSQ | ^NDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -1.65 | 2.57 | -4.22 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.65 | 0.77 | -1.42 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.87 | 0.94 | -1.81 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | -0.76 | 0.57 | -1.34 |
Drawdowns
PSQ vs. ^NDX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PSQ drawdown since its inception was -98.26%, which is greater than ^NDX's maximum drawdown of -82.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSQ and ^NDX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| PSQ | ^NDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -98.26% | -82.90% | -15.36% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -26.93% | -12.12% | -14.81% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -49.65% | -22.93% | -26.72% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -60.91% | -35.56% | -25.35% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -88.98% | -35.56% | -53.42% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -98.25% | -0.29% | -97.96% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -73.97% | -24.62% | -49.35% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 12.41% | 3.17% | +9.24% |
Volatility
PSQ vs. ^NDX - Volatility Comparison
ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and NASDAQ 100 Index (^NDX) have volatilities of 4.50% and 4.52%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| PSQ | ^NDX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.50% | 4.52% | -0.02% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 12.14% | 12.18% | -0.04% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.01% | 16.08% | -0.07% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.43% | 22.60% | -0.17% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.25% | 22.53% | -0.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
PSQ and ^NDX have a correlation of -1.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
^NDX has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to PSQ (4.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSQ dropped -98.26% vs ^NDX's -82.90%.
^NDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.57 vs -1.65), 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.
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