SRTY vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SRTY (ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - SRTY tracks the Russell 2000 Index (-300%) while SQQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SRTY returned -43.23%/yr vs -55.28%/yr for SQQQ. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) 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, SRTY achieves a -44.74% return, which is significantly lower than SQQQ's -40.27% return. Over the past 10 years, SRTY has outperformed SQQQ with an annualized return of -43.23%, while SQQQ has yielded a comparatively lower -55.28% annualized return.

SRTY

• 1D: 2.54%
• 1M: -1.01%
• 6M: -33.79%
• YTD: -44.74%
• 1Y: -61.69%
• 3Y*: -43.41%
• 5Y*: -32.96%
• 10Y*: -43.23%

SQQQ

• 1D: 5.74%
• 1M: 1.37%
• 6M: -36.57%
• YTD: -40.27%
• 1Y: -56.10%
• 3Y*: -51.78%
• 5Y*: -45.66%
• 10Y*: -55.28%

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

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SRTY ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000	-44.74%	-40.55%	-32.91%	-42.02%	28.99%	-51.67%	-80.61%	-53.83%	23.37%	-38.31%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-40.27%	-53.05%	-49.79%	-73.61%	82.40%	-60.87%	-86.40%	-65.92%	-20.83%	-58.67%

Correlation

The correlation between SRTY and SQQQ is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2010	0.74

The correlation between SRTY and SQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SRTY	SQQQ
Financial Services	45.6%	109.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SRTY vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SRTY

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

SQQQ

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

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) 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.

	SRTY	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.06	-1.01	-0.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.79	-1.69	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.80	0.82	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.92	-0.92	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.41	-1.71	+0.30

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SRTY Sharpe Ratio is -1.06, which is comparable to the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SRTY 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

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SRTY drawdown since its inception was -100.00%, roughly equal to the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SRTY and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SRTY	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-100.00%	-100.00%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.43%	-61.03%	-6.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-89.67%	-92.51%	+2.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.04%	-97.27%	+5.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.70%	-99.97%	+0.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-100.00%	-100.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-94.16%	-92.75%	-1.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	43.75%	32.78%	+10.97%

Volatility

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) is 14.86%, while ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) has a volatility of 26.05%. This indicates that SRTY 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

	SRTY	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.86%	26.05%	-11.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.72%	45.88%	-3.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.34%	55.64%	+2.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.56%	67.87%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	68.25%	66.56%	+1.69%

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SRTY vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

SRTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.31%, less than SQQQ's 10.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	10.00%	9.36%	10.23%	8.01%	0.28%	0.00%	2.15%	2.92%	1.47%	0.14%
SRTY ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000	8.31%	6.87%	9.40%	4.93%	0.17%	0.00%	0.95%	2.13%	0.70%	0.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SRTY and SQQQ in my portfolio?

SRTY and SQQQ have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SRTY or SQQQ?

SQQQ has higher volatility (26.05%) compared to SRTY (14.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SRTY dropped -100.00% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, SRTY or SQQQ?

On 10-year performance, SRTY leads with -43.23% vs -55.28% for SQQQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, SRTY has been the lower-risk option at 14.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SRTY or SQQQ?

Over the 10-year period, SRTY has performed better with a -43.23% return vs -55.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SRTY or SQQQ?

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

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

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.00%, compared with 8.31% for SRTY.

What is the main difference between SRTY and SQQQ?

SRTY tracks Russell 2000 Index (-300%), while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-1.01 vs -1.06), 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.