SEF vs. PSQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SEF (ProShares Short Financials) and PSQ (ProShares Short QQQ) are both Inverse Equities funds from ProShares - SEF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Index (-100%) while PSQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SEF returned -12.45%/yr vs -19.32%/yr for PSQ. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

SEF vs. PSQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short Financials (SEF) and ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEF achieves a 2.80% return, which is significantly higher than PSQ's -13.33% return. Over the past 10 years, SEF has outperformed PSQ with an annualized return of -12.45%, while PSQ has yielded a comparatively lower -19.32% annualized return.

SEF

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: -3.52%
• YTD: 2.80%
• 6M: 4.11%
• 1Y: -2.58%
• 3Y*: -12.09%
• 5Y*: -6.78%
• 10Y*: -12.45%

PSQ

• 1D: 3.29%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: -13.33%
• 6M: -12.07%
• 1Y: -23.10%
• 3Y*: -17.43%
• 5Y*: -13.16%
• 10Y*: -19.32%

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

SEF vs. PSQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SEF ProShares Short Financials	2.80%	-9.82%	-17.81%	-8.81%	11.85%	-27.02%	-16.93%	-23.51%	10.34%	-17.12%
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	-13.33%	-15.51%	-15.68%	-32.01%	36.40%	-24.84%	-41.23%	-27.49%	-2.34%	-24.77%

Correlation

The correlation between SEF and PSQ is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2008	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between SEF and PSQ has dropped to 0.37 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SEF vs. PSQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SEF	PSQ
Financial Services	71.2%	95.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SEF vs. PSQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEF

SEF Risk / Return Rank: 7
SEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
SEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
SEF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
SEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
SEF Martin Ratio Rank: 7

PSQ

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

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.

SEF vs. PSQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short Financials (SEF) and ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ). 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.

	SEF	PSQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.18	-1.29	+1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.16	-1.92	+1.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	0.79	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.23	-0.93	+0.70
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.55	-1.99	+1.45

SEF vs. PSQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEF Sharpe Ratio is -0.18, which is higher than the PSQ Sharpe Ratio of -1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEF and PSQ, 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

SEF vs. PSQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEF drawdown since its inception was -96.51%, roughly equal to the maximum PSQ drawdown of -98.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEF and PSQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEF	PSQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-96.51%	-98.26%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.14%	-24.95%	+13.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.40%	-49.65%	+10.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.62%	-60.91%	+19.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-75.66%	-88.98%	+13.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-96.31%	-98.19%	+1.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.74%	-74.02%	-8.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.81%	12.74%	-7.93%

Volatility

SEF vs. PSQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is 4.04%, while ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) has a volatility of 8.93%. This indicates that SEF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PSQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEF	PSQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.04%	8.93%	-4.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.16%	14.46%	-3.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.51%	17.94%	-3.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.97%	22.72%	-4.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.48%	22.37%	-1.89%

SEF vs. PSQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SEF and PSQ have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

SEF vs. PSQ - Dividend Comparison

SEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, less than PSQ's 5.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSQ ProShares Short QQQ	5.05%	4.97%	7.15%	6.01%	0.35%	0.00%	0.31%	1.75%	0.95%	0.02%
SEF ProShares Short Financials	3.54%	4.33%	5.72%	4.43%	0.39%	0.00%	0.12%	1.25%	0.41%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEF and PSQ in my portfolio?

SEF and PSQ have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEF or PSQ?

PSQ has higher volatility (8.93%) compared to SEF (4.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEF dropped -96.51% vs PSQ's -98.26%.

Which ETF is better, SEF or PSQ?

On 10-year performance, SEF leads with -12.45% vs -19.32% for PSQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, SEF has been the lower-risk option at 4.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SEF or PSQ?

Over the 10-year period, SEF has performed better with a -12.45% return vs -19.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SEF or PSQ?

SEF and PSQ have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SEF or PSQ?

PSQ has the higher dividend yield at 5.05%, compared with 3.54% for SEF.

What is the main difference between SEF and PSQ?

SEF tracks Dow Jones U.S. Financials Index (-100%), while PSQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-100%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.18 vs -1.29), 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.