PSQ vs. SKF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSQ (ProShares Short QQQ) and SKF (ProShares UltraShort Financials) are both exchange-traded funds - PSQ is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%), while SKF is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the DJ Global United States (All) / Financials -IND (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSQ returned -19.32%/yr vs -27.50%/yr for SKF. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

PSQ vs. SKF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and ProShares UltraShort Financials (SKF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSQ achieves a -13.33% return, which is significantly lower than SKF's 2.60% return. Over the past 10 years, PSQ has outperformed SKF with an annualized return of -19.32%, while SKF has yielded a comparatively lower -27.50% annualized return.

PSQ

• 1D: 3.29%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: -13.33%
• 6M: -12.07%
• 1Y: -23.10%
• 3Y*: -17.43%
• 5Y*: -13.16%
• 10Y*: -19.32%

SKF

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: -7.49%
• YTD: 2.60%
• 6M: 5.47%
• 1Y: -10.08%
• 3Y*: -27.28%
• 5Y*: -17.96%
• 10Y*: -27.50%

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

PSQ vs. SKF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	-13.33%	-15.51%	-15.68%	-32.01%	36.40%	-24.84%	-41.23%	-27.49%	-2.34%	-24.77%
SKF ProShares UltraShort Financials	2.60%	-23.99%	-36.29%	-21.78%	17.63%	-47.66%	-42.40%	-42.97%	16.42%	-31.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PSQ and SKF is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2007	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between PSQ and SKF has dropped to 0.37 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PSQ vs. SKF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSQ	SKF
Financial Services	95.1%	59.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSQ vs. SKF — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSQ

PSQ Risk / Return Rank: 1
PSQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
PSQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PSQ Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PSQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
PSQ Martin Ratio Rank: 0

SKF

SKF Risk / Return Rank: 5
SKF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
SKF Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
SKF Omega Ratio Rank: 6
SKF Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
SKF Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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. SKF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and ProShares UltraShort Financials (SKF). 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	SKF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.29	-0.35	-0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.92	-0.33	-1.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.79	0.96	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.93	-0.46	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.99	-1.05	-0.94

PSQ vs. SKF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSQ Sharpe Ratio is -1.29, which is lower than the SKF Sharpe Ratio of -0.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSQ and SKF, 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. SKF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSQ drawdown since its inception was -98.26%, roughly equal to the maximum SKF drawdown of -99.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSQ and SKF.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSQ	SKF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.26%	-99.96%	+1.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.95%	-22.02%	-2.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-49.65%	-68.09%	+18.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-60.91%	-72.40%	+11.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-88.98%	-96.51%	+7.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-98.19%	-99.95%	+1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-74.02%	-89.27%	+15.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.74%	9.95%	+2.79%

Volatility

PSQ vs. SKF - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) has a higher volatility of 8.93% compared to ProShares UltraShort Financials (SKF) at 8.32%. This indicates that PSQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SKF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSQ	SKF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.93%	8.32%	+0.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.46%	22.47%	-8.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.94%	29.21%	-11.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	36.04%	-13.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.37%	40.82%	-18.45%

PSQ vs. SKF - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PSQ vs. SKF - Dividend Comparison

PSQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.05%, more than SKF's 4.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	5.05%	4.97%	7.15%	6.01%	0.35%	0.00%	0.31%	1.75%	0.95%	0.02%
SKF ProShares UltraShort Financials	4.61%	5.61%	7.94%	3.93%	0.03%	0.00%	0.11%	1.29%	0.06%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSQ and SKF in my portfolio?

PSQ and SKF have a correlation of 0.37, 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 SKF?

PSQ has higher volatility (8.93%) compared to SKF (8.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSQ dropped -98.26% vs SKF's -99.96%.

Which ETF is better, PSQ or SKF?

On 10-year performance, PSQ leads with -19.32% vs -27.50% for SKF. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, SKF has been the lower-risk option at 8.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSQ or SKF?

Over the 10-year period, PSQ has performed better with a -19.32% return vs -27.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSQ or SKF?

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

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

PSQ has the higher dividend yield at 5.05%, compared with 4.61% for SKF.

What is the main difference between PSQ and SKF?

PSQ is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SKF is Leveraged Equities. PSQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%), while SKF tracks DJ Global United States (All) / Financials -IND (-200%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SKF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.35 vs -1.29), 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.