RYCYX vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RYCYX (Rydex Dow 2x Strategy Fund) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both funds - RYCYX is a Leveraged Equities fund managed by Rydex Funds, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Over the past 10 years, RYCYX returned 18.14%/yr vs 22.48%/yr for QQQ. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RYCYX charges 2.61%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rydex Dow 2x Strategy Fund (RYCYX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RYCYX achieves a 12.15% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 20.41% return. Over the past 10 years, RYCYX has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 18.14%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.48% annualized return.

RYCYX

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 12.15%
• 6M: 10.56%
• 1Y: 41.04%
• 3Y*: 23.07%
• 5Y*: 12.93%
• 10Y*: 18.14%

QQQ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 2.96%
• YTD: 20.41%
• 6M: 19.46%
• 1Y: 40.91%
• 3Y*: 27.47%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: 22.48%

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

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RYCYX Rydex Dow 2x Strategy Fund	12.15%	18.63%	19.61%	22.59%	-20.44%	39.43%	1.17%	46.39%	-14.47%	56.42%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	20.41%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between RYCYX and QQQ is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2005	0.77

The correlation between RYCYX and QQQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.77 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RYCYX vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

RYCYX

RYCYX Risk / Return Rank: 36
RYCYX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
RYCYX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
RYCYX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
RYCYX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
RYCYX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 72
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rydex Dow 2x Strategy Fund (RYCYX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	RYCYX	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.66	2.33	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	3.03	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.41	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	3.44	-1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.72	12.79	-5.07

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RYCYX Sharpe Ratio is 1.66, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RYCYX and QQQ, 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

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RYCYX drawdown since its inception was -82.36%, roughly equal to the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RYCYX and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	RYCYX	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.36%	-82.97%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.49%	-11.96%	-7.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.15%	-22.77%	-9.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.72%	-35.12%	-5.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.19%	-35.12%	-28.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.78%	-0.99%	-0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.08%	-32.73%	+14.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.35%	3.21%	+2.14%

Volatility

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

Rydex Dow 2x Strategy Fund (RYCYX) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 8.79% and 8.47%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RYCYX	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.79%	8.47%	+0.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.70%	14.20%	+5.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.98%	17.67%	+7.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.73%	22.64%	+7.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.27%	22.43%	+12.84%

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

RYCYX has a 2.61% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

RYCYX vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

RYCYX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.60%, more than QQQ's 0.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.49%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
RYCYX Rydex Dow 2x Strategy Fund	1.60%	1.80%	4.14%	0.48%	2.55%	4.76%	0.00%	3.81%	0.00%	5.81%	0.65%	7.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RYCYX and QQQ in my portfolio?

RYCYX and QQQ have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RYCYX or QQQ?

RYCYX has higher volatility (8.79%) compared to QQQ (8.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RYCYX dropped -82.36% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.66), 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.