SDS vs. QLD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SDS (ProShares UltraShort S&P500) and QLD (ProShares Ultra QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - SDS tracks the S&P 500 Index (-200%) while QLD tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDS returned -27.09%/yr vs 34.28%/yr for QLD. At a correlation of -0.89, they often move in opposite directions. SDS charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for QLD.

Performance

SDS vs. QLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) 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, SDS achieves a -15.97% return, which is significantly lower than QLD's 28.12% return. Over the past 10 years, SDS has underperformed QLD with an annualized return of -27.09%, while QLD has yielded a comparatively higher 34.28% annualized return.

SDS

• 1D: 1.56%
• 1M: -2.02%
• 6M: -12.91%
• YTD: -15.97%
• 1Y: -27.87%
• 3Y*: -26.28%
• 5Y*: -20.64%
• 10Y*: -27.09%

QLD

• 1D: -3.81%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: 23.12%
• YTD: 28.12%
• 1Y: 52.34%
• 3Y*: 39.12%
• 5Y*: 19.39%
• 10Y*: 34.28%

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

SDS vs. QLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDS ProShares UltraShort S&P500	-15.97%	-26.79%	-29.45%	-31.53%	30.69%	-43.02%	-49.91%	-41.17%	6.04%	-32.02%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	28.12%	30.36%	42.82%	117.72%	-60.52%	54.67%	88.90%	81.69%	-8.31%	70.34%

Correlation

The correlation between SDS and QLD is -0.93, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2006	-0.89

The correlation between SDS and QLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.94 to -0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

SDS vs. QLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDS	QLD
Financial Services	94.7%	0.2%
Basic Materials	-	1.0%
Communication Services	-	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	6.4%
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	3.7%
Industrials	-	2.6%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Technology	-	58.7%
Utilities	-	1.2%

Return for Risk

SDS vs. QLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDS

SDS Risk / Return Rank: 1
SDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Martin Ratio Rank: 0

QLD

QLD Risk / Return Rank: 50
QLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
QLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
QLD Omega Ratio Rank: 48
QLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QLD Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

SDS vs. QLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) 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.

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.

	SDS	QLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.12	1.42	-2.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.65	1.90	-3.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.25	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.92	2.09	-3.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.65	6.85	-8.50

SDS vs. QLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDS Sharpe Ratio is -1.12, which is lower than the QLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDS and QLD, 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

SDS vs. QLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDS drawdown since its inception was -99.85%, which is greater than QLD's maximum drawdown of -83.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDS and QLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDS	QLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.85%	-83.13%	-16.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.56%	-25.13%	-5.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-68.14%	-42.29%	-25.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-75.54%	-63.68%	-11.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-96.08%	-63.68%	-32.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.85%	-10.29%	-89.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.80%	-18.11%	-64.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.94%	7.66%	+9.28%

Volatility

SDS vs. QLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) is 8.20%, while ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) has a volatility of 17.17%. This indicates that SDS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDS	QLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.20%	17.17%	-8.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.87%	30.63%	-10.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.00%	37.07%	-12.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.86%	45.56%	-11.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.80%	44.86%	-9.06%

SDS vs. QLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDS has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is lower than QLD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDS vs. QLD - Dividend Comparison

SDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.34%, more than QLD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	0.13%	0.17%	0.25%	0.33%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.06%	0.02%	0.21%	0.11%
SDS ProShares UltraShort S&P500	5.34%	5.88%	7.89%	5.77%	0.35%	0.00%	0.92%	1.84%	1.28%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDS and QLD in my portfolio?

SDS and QLD have a correlation of -0.93, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDS or QLD?

QLD has higher volatility (17.17%) compared to SDS (8.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDS dropped -99.85% vs QLD's -83.13%.

Which ETF is better, SDS or QLD?

On 10-year performance, QLD leads with 34.28% vs -27.09% for SDS. On fees, SDS is cheaper at 0.91% per year. On volatility, SDS has been the lower-risk option at 8.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDS or QLD?

Over the 10-year period, QLD has performed better with a 34.28% return vs -27.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDS or QLD?

SDS is cheaper with a 0.91% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for QLD.

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

SDS has the higher dividend yield at 5.34%, compared with 0.13% for QLD.

What is the main difference between SDS and QLD?

SDS tracks S&P 500 Index (-200%), while QLD tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.91% for SDS and 0.95% for QLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs -1.12), 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.