SH vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

SH (ProShares Short S&P500) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both exchange-traded funds - SH is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-100% daily), while SQQQ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SH returned -12.31%/yr vs -54.17%/yr for SQQQ. Their correlation of 0.90 means they have usually moved in the same direction. SH charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for SQQQ.

Performance

SH vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short S&P500 (SH) and ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SH achieves a -5.72% return, which is significantly higher than SQQQ's -30.46% return. Over the past 10 years, SH has outperformed SQQQ with an annualized return of -12.31%, while SQQQ has yielded a comparatively lower -54.17% annualized return.

SH

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.80%
• 6M: -4.58%
• YTD: -5.72%
• 1Y: -10.08%
• 3Y*: -10.63%
• 5Y*: -7.83%
• 10Y*: -12.31%
• ALL TIME*: -11.25%

SQQQ

• 1D: 2.85%
• 1M: 12.59%
• 6M: -24.78%
• YTD: -30.46%
• 1Y: -45.25%
• 3Y*: -48.69%
• 5Y*: -43.59%
• 10Y*: -54.17%
• ALL TIME*: -52.52%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
SH ProShares Short S&P500	$243.46M	$212.87M	$298.74M
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	$2.18B	$2.18B	$2.65B

SH vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SH ProShares Short S&P500	-5.72%	-11.35%	-13.52%	-14.80%	18.98%	-24.21%	-25.09%	-22.12%	4.93%	-17.36%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-30.46%	-53.05%	-49.79%	-73.61%	82.40%	-60.87%	-86.40%	-65.92%	-20.83%	-58.67%

Correlation

The correlation between SH and SQQQ is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2010	0.90

The correlation between SH and SQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

SH vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SH	SQQQ
Financial Services	83.0%	101.5%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SH vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SH

SH Risk / Return Rank: 4
SH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
SH Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
SH Omega Ratio Rank: 4
SH Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
SH Martin Ratio Rank: 4

SQQQ

SQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 3
SQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
SQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
SQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 3
SQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
SQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

SH vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short S&P500 (SH) and ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ). 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.

	SH	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.80	-0.80	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.11	-1.10	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	0.88	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.63	-0.74	+0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.14	-1.31	+0.17

SH vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SH Sharpe Ratio is -0.80, which is comparable to the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SH and SQQQ, 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

SH vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SH drawdown since its inception was -94.66%, smaller than the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SH and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SH	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-94.66%	-100.00%	+5.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.06%	-61.03%	+44.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-38.82%	-92.51%	+53.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.53%	-97.27%	+52.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-74.80%	-99.97%	+25.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-94.49%	-100.00%	+5.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-67.90%	-92.77%	+24.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.87%	34.65%	-25.78%

Volatility

SH vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Short S&P500 (SH) is 3.13%, while ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) has a volatility of 19.84%. This indicates that SH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SQQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SH	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.13%	19.84%	-16.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.83%	46.68%	-36.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.63%	56.79%	-44.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	68.01%	-51.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	66.66%	-48.65%

SH vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SH has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than SQQQ's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SH vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

SH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, less than SQQQ's 8.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SH ProShares Short S&P500	4.15%	4.49%	6.20%	5.37%	1.08%	0.00%	0.16%	1.76%	1.01%	0.06%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	8.59%	9.36%	10.23%	8.01%	0.28%	0.00%	2.15%	2.92%	1.47%	0.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SH and SQQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, SH and SQQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SH or SQQQ?

SQQQ has higher volatility (19.84%) compared to SH (3.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SH dropped -94.66% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, SH or SQQQ?

On 10-year performance, SH leads with -12.31% vs -54.17% for SQQQ. On fees, SH is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, SH has been the lower-risk option at 3.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SH or SQQQ?

Over the 10-year period, SH has performed better with a -12.31% return vs -54.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SH or SQQQ?

SH is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SQQQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SH or SQQQ?

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 8.59%, compared with 4.15% for SH.

What is the main difference between SH and SQQQ?

SH is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SQQQ is Leveraged Equities. SH tracks S&P 500 Index (-100% daily), while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Their fees differ too: 0.89% for SH and 0.95% for SQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.80 vs -0.80), 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.