SQQQ vs. BITU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) and BITU (Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SQQQ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%), while BITU is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Bloomberg Bitcoin Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SQQQ returned -61.11% vs -74.19% for BITU. At a correlation of -0.44, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

SQQQ vs. BITU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) and Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SQQQ achieves a -40.31% return, which is significantly higher than BITU's -58.07% return.

SQQQ

• 1D: 9.83%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: -40.31%
• 6M: -37.80%
• 1Y: -61.11%
• 3Y*: -53.86%
• 5Y*: -46.89%
• 10Y*: -56.24%

BITU

• 1D: -6.41%
• 1M: -34.27%
• YTD: -58.07%
• 6M: -58.34%
• 1Y: -74.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SQQQ vs. BITU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-40.31%	-53.05%	-36.09%
BITU Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF	-58.07%	-37.07%	41.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SQQQ and BITU is -0.50, 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	-0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2024	-0.44

The correlation between SQQQ and BITU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.50 to -0.44 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SQQQ vs. BITU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SQQQ

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

BITU

BITU Risk / Return Rank: 2
BITU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
BITU Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
BITU Omega Ratio Rank: 2
BITU Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
BITU 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.

SQQQ vs. BITU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) and Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU). 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.

	SQQQ	BITU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.14	-0.84	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-2.07	-1.46	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.78	0.84	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.96	-0.90	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.81	-1.40	-0.41

SQQQ vs. BITU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SQQQ Sharpe Ratio is -1.14, which is lower than the BITU Sharpe Ratio of -0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SQQQ and BITU, 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

SQQQ vs. BITU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SQQQ drawdown since its inception was -100.00%, which is greater than BITU's maximum drawdown of -82.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SQQQ and BITU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SQQQ	BITU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-100.00%	-82.21%	-17.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-63.52%	-82.21%	+18.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-92.51%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-97.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.98%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-100.00%	-81.25%	-18.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-92.73%	-35.50%	-57.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	36.37%	53.05%	-16.68%

Volatility

SQQQ vs. BITU - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) and Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU) have volatilities of 26.69% and 26.20%, 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

	SQQQ	BITU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	26.69%	26.20%	+0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.33%	69.81%	-26.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	53.65%	88.13%	-34.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.53%	97.37%	-29.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	66.47%	97.37%	-30.90%

SQQQ vs. BITU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SQQQ vs. BITU - Dividend Comparison

SQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.44%, less than BITU's 93.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BITU Proshares Ultra Bitcoin ETF	93.59%	50.23%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	11.44%	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 SQQQ and BITU in my portfolio?

SQQQ and BITU have a correlation of -0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SQQQ or BITU?

SQQQ has higher volatility (26.69%) compared to BITU (26.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SQQQ dropped -100.00% vs BITU's -82.21%.

Which ETF is better, SQQQ or BITU?

On 1-year performance, SQQQ leads with -61.11% vs -74.19% for BITU. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, BITU has been the lower-risk option at 26.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SQQQ or BITU?

Over the 1-year period, SQQQ has performed better with a -61.11% return vs -74.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SQQQ or BITU?

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

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

BITU has the higher dividend yield at 93.59%, compared with 11.44% for SQQQ.

What is the main difference between SQQQ and BITU?

SQQQ is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while BITU is Cryptocurrency. SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%), while BITU tracks Bloomberg Bitcoin Index - Benchmark TR Gross.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BITU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.84 vs -1.14), 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.