QQQ vs. LABU

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) and LABU (Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while LABU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QQQ returned 22.31%/yr vs -10.06%/yr for LABU. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQQ charges 0.18%/yr vs 1.12%/yr for LABU.

Performance

QQQ vs. LABU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQ achieves a 21.26% return, which is significantly higher than LABU's 18.28% return. Over the past 10 years, QQQ has outperformed LABU with an annualized return of 22.31%, while LABU has yielded a comparatively lower -10.06% annualized return.

QQQ

• 1D: 3.14%
• 1M: 4.95%
• YTD: 21.26%
• 6M: 22.17%
• 1Y: 41.87%
• 3Y*: 27.20%
• 5Y*: 17.59%
• 10Y*: 22.31%

LABU

• 1D: 5.55%
• 1M: 9.25%
• YTD: 18.28%
• 6M: 15.83%
• 1Y: 224.16%
• 3Y*: 11.36%
• 5Y*: -32.95%
• 10Y*: -10.06%

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

QQQ vs. LABU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	21.26%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%
LABU Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares	18.28%	79.17%	-26.02%	-13.41%	-80.36%	-64.15%	74.66%	75.50%	-57.61%	149.12%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQ and LABU is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 28, 2015	0.57

The correlation between QQQ and LABU shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QQQ vs. LABU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQ	LABU
Technology	58.7%	-
Communication Services	14.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Healthcare	3.7%	99.7%
Industrials	2.6%	-
Utilities	1.2%	-
Basic Materials	1.0%	0.0%
Energy	0.5%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	0.3%
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

QQQ vs. LABU — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 79
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 81
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 76

LABU

LABU Risk / Return Rank: 85
LABU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
LABU Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
LABU Omega Ratio Rank: 67
LABU Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
LABU Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

QQQ vs. LABU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU). 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.

	QQQ	LABU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.42	2.90	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.07	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.36	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.52	7.35	-3.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.12	20.69	-7.57

QQQ vs. LABU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.42, which is comparable to the LABU Sharpe Ratio of 2.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQ and LABU, 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

QQQ vs. LABU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQ drawdown since its inception was -82.97%, smaller than the maximum LABU drawdown of -99.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQ and LABU.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQ	LABU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.97%	-99.18%	+16.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-30.70%	+18.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.77%	-78.30%	+55.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.12%	-97.59%	+62.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.12%	-98.96%	+63.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-95.83%	+95.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-32.75%	-81.69%	+48.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	10.89%	-7.69%

Volatility

QQQ vs. LABU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) is 8.14%, while Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares (LABU) has a volatility of 31.78%. This indicates that QQQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than LABU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQ	LABU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.14%	31.78%	-23.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.12%	61.71%	-47.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.43%	77.92%	-60.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.59%	95.71%	-73.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	95.50%	-73.09%

QQQ vs. LABU - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQ has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than LABU's 1.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQ vs. LABU - Dividend Comparison

QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than LABU's 0.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LABU Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3x Shares	0.65%	0.84%	0.35%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.28%	0.64%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.38%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQ and LABU in my portfolio?

QQQ and LABU have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQ or LABU?

LABU has higher volatility (31.78%) compared to QQQ (8.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQ dropped -82.97% vs LABU's -99.18%.

Which ETF is better, QQQ or LABU?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 22.31% vs -10.06% for LABU. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 8.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQ or LABU?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 22.31% return vs -10.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQ or LABU?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 1.12% for LABU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQQ or LABU?

LABU has the higher dividend yield at 0.65%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between QQQ and LABU?

QQQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while LABU is Leveraged Equities. QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while LABU tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for QQQ and 1.12% for LABU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LABU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.90 vs 2.42), 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.