RB vs. QLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) and QLD (ProShares Ultra QQQ) are both exchange-traded funds - RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000, while QLD is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Both are passively managed. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RB charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for QLD.

Performance

RB vs. QLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) and ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RB achieves a 6.76% return, which is significantly lower than QLD's 42.06% return.

RB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 6.76%
• 6M: 8.48%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QLD

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: 21.54%
• YTD: 42.06%
• 6M: 37.45%
• 1Y: 85.49%
• 3Y*: 50.15%
• 5Y*: 25.75%
• 10Y*: 36.10%

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

RB vs. QLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	6.76%	10.58%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	42.06%	22.03%

Correlation

The correlation between RB and QLD is 0.50, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.50

Return for Risk

RB vs. QLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

QLD

QLD Risk / Return Rank: 69
QLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
QLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
QLD Omega Ratio Rank: 67
QLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
QLD Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

RB vs. QLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) and ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	RB	QLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.58	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.15	0.60	+2.55

Drawdowns

RB vs. QLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RB drawdown since its inception was -1.70%, smaller than the maximum QLD drawdown of -83.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RB and QLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	RB	QLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-83.13%	+81.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-25.13%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-42.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-63.68%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-63.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-0.53%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.41%	-18.17%	+17.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.20%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RB	QLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.90%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.08%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.21%	31.85%	-25.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.21%	44.74%	-38.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.21%	44.56%	-38.35%

RB vs. QLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

RB has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than QLD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

RB vs. QLD - Dividend Comparison

RB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.00%, more than QLD's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	0.12%	0.17%	0.25%	0.33%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.06%	0.02%	0.21%	0.11%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	2.00%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RB and QLD in my portfolio?

RB and QLD have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RB or QLD?

On fees, RB is cheaper at 0.58% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RB or QLD?

RB is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for QLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RB or QLD?

RB has the higher dividend yield at 2.00%, compared with 0.12% for QLD.

What is the main difference between RB and QLD?

RB is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QLD is Leveraged Equities. RB tracks Russell 2000, while QLD tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.58% for RB and 0.95% for QLD.