QID vs. VUG

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

QID (ProShares UltraShort QQQ) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QID is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-200%), while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QID returned -38.34%/yr vs 17.80%/yr for VUG. At a correlation of -0.95, they often move in opposite directions. QID charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

QID vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort QQQ (QID) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QID achieves a -28.70% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 7.73% return. Over the past 10 years, QID has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of -38.34%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.80% annualized return.

QID

• 1D: -0.64%
• 1M: -0.57%
• 6M: -25.87%
• YTD: -28.70%
• 1Y: -41.01%
• 3Y*: -36.90%
• 5Y*: -29.74%
• 10Y*: -38.34%

VUG

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 2.61%
• 6M: 7.03%
• YTD: 7.73%
• 1Y: 19.25%
• 3Y*: 23.65%
• 5Y*: 12.96%
• 10Y*: 17.80%

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

QID vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QID ProShares UltraShort QQQ	-28.70%	-34.97%	-34.06%	-57.19%	66.30%	-44.93%	-69.71%	-49.57%	-9.90%	-44.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.73%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between QID and VUG is -0.94, 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	-0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2006	-0.95

The correlation between QID and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.98 to -0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

QID vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QID	VUG
Financial Services	97.7%	4.0%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Communication Services	-	15.9%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.3%
Energy	-	0.3%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Industrials	-	3.5%
Real Estate	-	0.9%
Technology	-	56.5%
Utilities	-	0.7%

Return for Risk

QID vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QID

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 34
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

QID vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort QQQ (QID) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	QID	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.10	1.12	-2.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.72	1.60	-3.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	1.20	-0.39
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.91	1.16	-2.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.81	3.83	-5.63

QID vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QID Sharpe Ratio is -1.10, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QID and VUG, 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

QID vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QID drawdown since its inception was -99.99%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QID and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QID	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.99%	-50.68%	-49.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-44.65%	-16.53%	-28.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-79.50%	-22.85%	-56.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-88.72%	-35.61%	-53.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.25%	-35.61%	-63.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.99%	-3.09%	-96.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-87.05%	-7.08%	-79.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	22.54%	4.99%	+17.55%

Volatility

QID vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraShort QQQ (QID) has a higher volatility of 17.52% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.54%. This indicates that QID's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QID	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.52%	6.54%	+10.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.45%	13.81%	+16.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.93%	17.08%	+19.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	45.55%	22.42%	+23.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	44.81%	21.50%	+23.31%

QID vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QID has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

QID vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

QID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.26%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QID ProShares UltraShort QQQ	8.26%	6.25%	7.99%	5.63%	0.15%	0.00%	0.92%	2.54%	1.38%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QID and VUG in my portfolio?

QID and VUG have a correlation of -0.94, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QID or VUG?

QID has higher volatility (17.52%) compared to VUG (6.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QID dropped -99.99% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, QID or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 17.80% vs -38.34% for QID. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QID or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 17.80% return vs -38.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QID or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for QID.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QID or VUG?

QID has the higher dividend yield at 8.26%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between QID and VUG?

QID is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. QID tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-200%), while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for QID and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs -1.10), 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.