QQQ vs. TECL
QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) and TECL (Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index, while TECL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Technology Select Sector Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QQQ returned 22.31%/yr vs 53.63%/yr for TECL. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QQQ charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.91%/yr for TECL.
Performance
QQQ vs. TECL - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, QQQ achieves a 21.26% return, which is significantly lower than TECL's 103.81% return. Over the past 10 years, QQQ has underperformed TECL with an annualized return of 22.31%, while TECL has yielded a comparatively higher 53.63% 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%
TECL
- 1D
- 11.01%
- 1M
- 22.64%
- YTD
- 103.81%
- 6M
- 109.85%
- 1Y
- 222.44%
- 3Y*
- 68.74%
- 5Y*
- 39.49%
- 10Y*
- 53.63%
QQQ vs. TECL - 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% |
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares | 103.81% | 38.60% | 36.15% | 203.14% | -74.32% | 112.80% | 69.46% | 185.58% | -24.03% | 124.82% |
Correlation
The correlation between QQQ and TECL 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 | 0.95 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.96 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2008 | 0.96 |
The correlation between QQQ and TECL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.
QQQ vs. TECL - Sectors Allocation Comparison
Sectors
QQQ
TECL
Technology
Communication Services
-
Consumer Cyclical
-
Consumer Defensive
-
Healthcare
-
Industrials
Utilities
-
Basic Materials
-
Energy
Financial Services
-
Real Estate
-
Technology
QQQ
TECL
Communication Services
QQQ
TECL
-
Consumer Cyclical
QQQ
TECL
-
Consumer Defensive
QQQ
TECL
-
Healthcare
QQQ
TECL
-
Industrials
QQQ
TECL
Utilities
QQQ
TECL
-
Basic Materials
QQQ
TECL
-
Energy
QQQ
TECL
Financial Services
QQQ
TECL
-
Real Estate
QQQ
TECL
-
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
QQQ vs. TECL — Risk / Return Rank
QQQ
TECL
QQQ vs. TECL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) and Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL). 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 | TECL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.88 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.09 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.42 | 1.41 | +0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.52 | 4.81 | -1.29 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 13.12 | 13.42 | -0.30 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
QQQ vs. TECL - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum QQQ drawdown since its inception was -82.97%, which is greater than TECL's maximum drawdown of -77.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQ and TECL.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| QQQ | TECL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -82.97% | -77.96% | -5.01% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.96% | -46.58% | +34.62% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -22.77% | -66.58% | +43.81% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -35.12% | -77.96% | +42.84% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -35.12% | -77.96% | +42.84% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.29% | -12.47% | +12.18% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -32.75% | -18.38% | -14.37% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.20% | 16.66% | -13.46% |
Volatility
QQQ vs. TECL - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) is 8.14%, while Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) has a volatility of 34.84%. This indicates that QQQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TECL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| QQQ | TECL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.14% | 34.84% | -26.70% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.12% | 57.98% | -43.86% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.43% | 68.12% | -50.69% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 22.59% | 75.10% | -52.51% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.41% | 72.90% | -50.49% |
QQQ vs. TECL - Expense Ratio Comparison
QQQ has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than TECL's 0.91% expense ratio.
Dividends
QQQ vs. TECL - Dividend Comparison
QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than TECL's 3.49% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% |
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares | 3.49% | 7.19% | 0.29% | 0.28% | 0.22% | 0.32% | 0.52% | 0.25% | 0.47% | 0.10% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.93, QQQ and TECL 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.
TECL has higher volatility (34.84%) compared to QQQ (8.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQ dropped -82.97% vs TECL's -77.96%.
On 10-year performance, TECL leads with 53.63% vs 22.31% for QQQ. 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.
Over the 10-year period, TECL has performed better with a 53.63% return vs 22.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for TECL.
TECL has the higher dividend yield at 3.49%, compared with 0.38% for QQQ.
QQQ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while TECL is Leveraged Equities. QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index, while TECL tracks Technology Select Sector Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for QQQ and 0.91% for TECL.
TECL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.29 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.
Find the right allocation for QQQ and TECL
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer