PSQ vs. CARD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PSQ (ProShares Short QQQ) and CARD (Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN) are both Inverse Equities funds - PSQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%) while CARD tracks the Prime Auto Industry Index - Benchmark TR Net (--300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSQ returned -15.73%/yr vs -48.65%/yr for CARD. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

PSQ vs. CARD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (CARD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSQ achieves a -12.26% return, which is significantly higher than CARD's -13.01% return.

PSQ

• 1D: 1.67%
• 1M: 3.38%
• 6M: -11.38%
• YTD: -12.26%
• 1Y: -18.69%
• 3Y*: -15.73%
• 5Y*: -12.57%
• 10Y*: -18.59%

CARD

• 1D: -3.90%
• 1M: -7.95%
• 6M: -5.26%
• YTD: -13.01%
• 1Y: -39.30%
• 3Y*: -48.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSQ vs. CARD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	-12.26%	-15.51%	-15.68%	-8.56%
CARD Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	-13.01%	-60.21%	-58.19%	-32.77%

Correlation

The correlation between PSQ and CARD is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2023	0.59

The correlation between PSQ and CARD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSQ vs. CARD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSQ

PSQ Risk / Return Rank: 2
PSQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
PSQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
PSQ Omega Ratio Rank: 2
PSQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
PSQ Martin Ratio Rank: 1

CARD

CARD Risk / Return Rank: 4
CARD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
CARD Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
CARD Omega Ratio Rank: 6
CARD Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
CARD Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

PSQ vs. CARD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (CARD). 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.

	PSQ	CARD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.00	-0.56	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.44	-0.50	-0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.84	0.94	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.76	-0.94	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.55	-1.40	-0.14

PSQ vs. CARD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSQ Sharpe Ratio is -1.00, which is lower than the CARD Sharpe Ratio of -0.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSQ and CARD, 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

PSQ vs. CARD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSQ drawdown since its inception was -98.26%, which is greater than CARD's maximum drawdown of -93.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSQ and CARD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSQ	CARD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.26%	-93.51%	-4.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.83%	-42.02%	+17.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-49.65%	-93.51%	+43.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-60.91%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-87.91%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-98.16%	-93.46%	-4.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-74.10%	-69.22%	-4.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.11%	28.05%	-15.94%

Volatility

PSQ vs. CARD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) is 7.47%, while Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (CARD) has a volatility of 21.51%. This indicates that PSQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CARD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSQ	CARD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.47%	21.51%	-14.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.43%	53.52%	-38.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.67%	70.63%	-51.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.84%	80.32%	-57.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.40%	80.32%	-57.92%

PSQ vs. CARD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PSQ and CARD have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

PSQ vs. CARD - Dividend Comparison

PSQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.37%, while CARD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CARD Max Auto Industry -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	4.37%	4.97%	7.15%	6.01%	0.35%	0.00%	0.31%	1.75%	0.95%	0.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSQ and CARD in my portfolio?

PSQ and CARD have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSQ or CARD?

CARD has higher volatility (21.51%) compared to PSQ (7.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSQ dropped -98.26% vs CARD's -93.51%.

Which ETF is better, PSQ or CARD?

On 3-year performance, PSQ leads with -15.73% vs -48.65% for CARD. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, PSQ has been the lower-risk option at 7.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSQ or CARD?

Over the 3-year period, PSQ has performed better with a -15.73% return vs -48.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSQ or CARD?

PSQ and CARD have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSQ or CARD?

PSQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.37%, compared with 0.00% for CARD.

What is the main difference between PSQ and CARD?

PSQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%), while CARD tracks Prime Auto Industry Index - Benchmark TR Net (--300%). They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Max.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CARD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.56 vs -1.00), 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.