PSQ vs. SPXU

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PSQ (ProShares Short QQQ) and SPXU (ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - PSQ is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%), while SPXU is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSQ returned -18.89%/yr vs -41.43%/yr for SPXU. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSQ charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for SPXU.

Performance

PSQ vs. SPXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSQ achieves a -14.61% return, which is significantly higher than SPXU's -26.27% return. Over the past 10 years, PSQ has outperformed SPXU with an annualized return of -18.89%, while SPXU has yielded a comparatively lower -41.43% annualized return.

PSQ

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -1.33%
• 6M: -12.99%
• YTD: -14.61%
• 1Y: -21.29%
• 3Y*: -17.50%
• 5Y*: -12.87%
• 10Y*: -18.89%

SPXU

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: -6.91%
• 6M: -22.51%
• YTD: -26.27%
• 1Y: -42.27%
• 3Y*: -41.31%
• 5Y*: -33.63%
• 10Y*: -41.43%

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

PSQ vs. SPXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	-14.61%	-15.51%	-15.68%	-32.01%	36.40%	-24.84%	-41.23%	-27.49%	-2.34%	-24.77%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	-26.27%	-41.73%	-43.31%	-46.02%	36.05%	-57.94%	-70.39%	-56.27%	3.97%	-44.23%

Correlation

The correlation between PSQ and SPXU is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2009	0.90

The correlation between PSQ and SPXU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSQ vs. SPXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSQ	SPXU
Financial Services	83.3%	80.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSQ vs. SPXU — 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: 1
PSQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
PSQ Omega Ratio Rank: 1
PSQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
PSQ Martin Ratio Rank: 0

SPXU

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

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. SPXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). 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	SPXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.14	-1.11	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.67	-1.73	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	0.81	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.85	-0.95	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.78	-1.66	-0.12

PSQ vs. SPXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSQ Sharpe Ratio is -1.14, which is comparable to the SPXU Sharpe Ratio of -1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSQ and SPXU, 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. SPXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSQ drawdown since its inception was -98.26%, roughly equal to the maximum SPXU drawdown of -99.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSQ and SPXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSQ	SPXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-98.26%	-99.99%	+1.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.83%	-43.83%	+19.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-49.65%	-84.36%	+34.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-60.91%	-90.23%	+29.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-87.94%	-99.56%	+11.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-98.21%	-99.99%	+1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-74.08%	-93.35%	+19.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.80%	25.04%	-13.24%

Volatility

PSQ vs. SPXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) is 8.64%, while ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU) has a volatility of 13.32%. This indicates that PSQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSQ	SPXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.64%	13.32%	-4.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.20%	29.88%	-14.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.45%	37.43%	-18.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.80%	50.64%	-27.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.38%	53.33%	-30.95%

PSQ vs. SPXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSQ has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXU's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSQ vs. SPXU - Dividend Comparison

PSQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.49%, less than SPXU's 7.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	4.49%	4.97%	7.15%	6.01%	0.35%	0.00%	0.31%	1.75%	0.95%	0.02%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	7.04%	7.02%	9.53%	7.06%	0.39%	0.00%	0.70%	2.14%	1.41%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSQ and SPXU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, PSQ and SPXU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PSQ or SPXU?

SPXU has higher volatility (13.32%) compared to PSQ (8.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSQ dropped -98.26% vs SPXU's -99.99%.

Which ETF is better, PSQ or SPXU?

On 10-year performance, PSQ leads with -18.89% vs -41.43% for SPXU. On fees, SPXU is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, PSQ has been the lower-risk option at 8.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSQ or SPXU?

Over the 10-year period, PSQ has performed better with a -18.89% return vs -41.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSQ or SPXU?

SPXU is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for PSQ.

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

SPXU has the higher dividend yield at 7.04%, compared with 4.49% for PSQ.

What is the main difference between PSQ and SPXU?

PSQ is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SPXU is S&P 500. PSQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%), while SPXU tracks S&P 500 Index (-300%). Their fees differ too: 0.95% for PSQ and 0.90% for SPXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-1.11 vs -1.14), 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.