QQQU vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

QQQU (Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQQU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the The Indxx Magnificent 7 Index (200%), while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QQQU returned 62.95% vs 179.78% for SOXX. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQQU charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

QQQU vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares (QQQU) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQQU achieves a 6.21% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 100.26% return.

QQQU

• 1D: 2.17%
• 1M: 5.86%
• YTD: 6.21%
• 6M: 4.73%
• 1Y: 62.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXX

• 1D: -2.10%
• 1M: 24.86%
• YTD: 100.26%
• 6M: 97.20%
• 1Y: 179.78%
• 3Y*: 57.09%
• 5Y*: 33.93%
• 10Y*: 35.54%

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

QQQU vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QQQU Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares	6.21%	32.87%	81.85%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	100.26%	40.74%	-8.79%

Correlation

The correlation between QQQU and SOXX is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2024	0.64

The correlation between QQQU and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.64 - a consistent structural relationship.

QQQU vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QQQU	SOXX
Technology	15.8%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	-
Communication Services	10.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

QQQU vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQQU

QQQU Risk / Return Rank: 40
QQQU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
QQQU Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
QQQU Omega Ratio Rank: 41
QQQU Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
QQQU Martin Ratio Rank: 36

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

QQQU vs. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares (QQQU) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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.

	QQQU	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	5.29	-3.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	5.16	-3.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.71	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	11.48	-9.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.44	43.90	-38.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QQQU vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQQU Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQQU and SOXX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QQQU	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59	5.29	-3.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.07	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.99	0.44	+0.55

Drawdowns

QQQU vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQQU drawdown since its inception was -53.70%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQQU and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQQU	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.70%	-70.21%	+16.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.29%	-15.77%	-20.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.13%	-2.10%	-3.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.33%	-19.97%	+6.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.62%	4.11%	+7.51%

Volatility

QQQU vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares (QQQU) is 9.51%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 14.08%. This indicates that QQQU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQQU	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.51%	14.08%	-4.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.27%	27.45%	+0.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.92%	34.20%	+5.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	52.96%	36.11%	+16.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	52.96%	33.43%	+19.53%

QQQU vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQQU has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQQU vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

QQQU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.03%, more than SOXX's 0.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQU Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X Shares	9.03%	9.62%	2.75%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.28%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQQU and SOXX in my portfolio?

QQQU and SOXX have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQQU or SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (14.08%) compared to QQQU (9.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQQU dropped -53.70% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, QQQU or SOXX?

On 1-year performance, SOXX leads with 179.78% vs 62.95% for QQQU. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, QQQU has been the lower-risk option at 9.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQQU or SOXX?

Over the 1-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 179.78% return vs 62.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQQU or SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 1.07% for QQQU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQQU or SOXX?

QQQU has the higher dividend yield at 9.03%, compared with 0.28% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between QQQU and SOXX?

QQQU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SOXX is Semiconductors. QQQU tracks The Indxx Magnificent 7 Index (200%), while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: Direxion and iShares. Their fees differ too: 1.07% for QQQU and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.29 vs 1.59), 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.