SKYU vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SKYU (ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - SKYU tracks the ISE Cloud Computing Index (200%) while SQQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SKYU returned -3.11%/yr vs -45.39%/yr for SQQQ. At a correlation of -0.78, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF (SKYU) 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, SKYU achieves a 0.49% return, which is significantly higher than SQQQ's -36.02% return.

SKYU

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 5.74%
• 6M: 10.58%
• YTD: 0.49%
• 1Y: 8.45%
• 3Y*: 24.28%
• 5Y*: -3.11%
• 10Y*: —

SQQQ

• 1D: 4.65%
• 1M: 10.00%
• 6M: -34.17%
• YTD: -36.02%
• 1Y: -51.09%
• 3Y*: -49.80%
• 5Y*: -45.39%
• 10Y*: -54.92%

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

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SKYU ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF	0.49%	2.76%	65.79%	105.76%	-75.95%	6.83%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-36.02%	-53.05%	-49.79%	-73.61%	82.40%	-56.42%

Correlation

The correlation between SKYU and SQQQ is -0.62, 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	-0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 21, 2021	-0.78

The correlation between SKYU and SQQQ shifts across timeframes, from -0.79 (5 years) to -0.62 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SKYU	SQQQ
Technology	58.4%	-
Communication Services	4.2%	-
Industrials	2.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.4%	-
Healthcare	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	109.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SKYU vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SKYU

SKYU Risk / Return Rank: 13
SKYU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
SKYU Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SKYU Omega Ratio Rank: 15
SKYU Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
SKYU Martin Ratio Rank: 12

SQQQ

SQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 2
SQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
SQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
SQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 2
SQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
SQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF (SKYU) 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.

	SKYU	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.15	-0.91	+1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	-1.41	+2.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	0.85	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.17	-0.84	+1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.33	-1.53	+1.86

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SKYU Sharpe Ratio is 0.15, which is higher than the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -0.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SKYU 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

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SKYU drawdown since its inception was -83.01%, smaller than the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SKYU and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SKYU	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.01%	-100.00%	+16.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-50.23%	-61.03%	+10.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-55.71%	-92.51%	+36.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-83.01%	-97.27%	+14.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.29%	-100.00%	+64.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-48.84%	-92.76%	+43.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	25.35%	33.52%	-8.17%

Volatility

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF (SKYU) is 13.66%, while ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) has a volatility of 22.12%. This indicates that SKYU 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

	SKYU	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.66%	22.12%	-8.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	48.76%	46.34%	+2.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	57.91%	56.08%	+1.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	62.27%	67.92%	-5.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	60.97%	66.58%	-5.61%

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SKYU and SQQQ have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

SKYU vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

SKYU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.82%, less than SQQQ's 9.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SKYU ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF	0.82%	0.56%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	9.34%	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 SKYU and SQQQ in my portfolio?

SKYU and SQQQ have a correlation of -0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SKYU or SQQQ?

SQQQ has higher volatility (22.12%) compared to SKYU (13.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SKYU dropped -83.01% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, SKYU or SQQQ?

On 5-year performance, SKYU leads with -3.11% vs -45.39% for SQQQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, SKYU has been the lower-risk option at 13.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SKYU or SQQQ?

Over the 5-year period, SKYU has performed better with a -3.11% return vs -45.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SKYU or SQQQ?

SKYU and SQQQ have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

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

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 9.34%, compared with 0.82% for SKYU.

What is the main difference between SKYU and SQQQ?

SKYU tracks ISE Cloud Computing Index (200%), while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SKYU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.15 vs -0.91), 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.