SAA vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SAA (ProShares Ultra SmallCap600) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SAA is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Index (200%), while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SAA returned 12.61%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for QQQ. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SAA charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

SAA vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 (SAA) 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, SAA achieves a 36.86% return, which is significantly higher than QQQ's 16.45% return. Over the past 10 years, SAA has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 12.61%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.07% annualized return.

SAA

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 8.20%
• YTD: 36.86%
• 6M: 31.50%
• 1Y: 66.49%
• 3Y*: 21.67%
• 5Y*: 2.49%
• 10Y*: 12.61%

QQQ

• 1D: -3.29%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 16.45%
• 6M: 14.99%
• 1Y: 34.88%
• 3Y*: 26.05%
• 5Y*: 16.01%
• 10Y*: 22.07%

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

SAA vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SAA ProShares Ultra SmallCap600	36.86%	0.29%	5.60%	21.32%	-36.17%	51.77%	-1.79%	42.39%	-23.00%	23.94%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	16.45%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-32.58%	27.42%	48.62%	38.96%	-0.13%	32.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SAA and QQQ is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2007	0.68

The correlation between SAA and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAA vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAA	QQQ
Technology	17.1%	58.7%
Financial Services	16.5%	0.2%
Industrials	15.2%	2.6%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	11.4%
Healthcare	11.0%	3.7%
Real Estate	7.6%	0.1%
Energy	5.4%	0.5%
Basic Materials	5.0%	1.0%
Communication Services	3.7%	14.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	6.4%
Utilities	1.9%	1.2%

Return for Risk

SAA vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAA

SAA Risk / Return Rank: 63
SAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
SAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SAA Omega Ratio Rank: 51
SAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SAA Martin Ratio Rank: 69

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 58
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

SAA vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 (SAA) 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.

	SAA	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	1.95	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	2.57	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.35	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	2.93	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.94	10.86	+1.08

SAA vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAA Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAA 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

SAA vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAA drawdown since its inception was -87.39%, which is greater than QQQ's maximum drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAA and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAA	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.39%	-82.97%	-4.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.21%	-11.96%	-6.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-50.84%	-22.77%	-28.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.37%	-35.12%	-20.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-74.54%	-35.12%	-39.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.69%	-4.25%	+3.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.35%	-32.73%	+5.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.59%	3.22%	+2.37%

Volatility

SAA vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 (SAA) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) have volatilities of 9.60% and 9.17%, 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

	SAA	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.60%	9.17%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.43%	14.57%	+9.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.09%	17.96%	+18.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.53%	22.69%	+20.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.15%	22.42%	+23.73%

SAA vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAA has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAA vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

SAA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, more than QQQ's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
SAA ProShares Ultra SmallCap600	0.74%	1.05%	1.36%	0.88%	0.46%	0.00%	0.03%	0.35%	0.27%	0.00%	0.14%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAA and QQQ in my portfolio?

SAA and QQQ have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAA or QQQ?

SAA has higher volatility (9.60%) compared to QQQ (9.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAA dropped -87.39% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, SAA or QQQ?

On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 22.07% vs 12.61% for SAA. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, QQQ has been the lower-risk option at 9.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAA or QQQ?

Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 22.07% return vs 12.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAA or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SAA.

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

SAA has the higher dividend yield at 0.74%, compared with 0.43% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between SAA and QQQ?

SAA is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. SAA tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Index (200%), while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SAA and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.85), 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.