SSO vs. QLD

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) and QLD (ProShares Ultra QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - SSO tracks the S&P 500 while QLD tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SSO returned 24.13%/yr vs 36.48%/yr for QLD. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSO charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for QLD.

Performance

SSO vs. QLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSO achieves a 16.98% return, which is significantly lower than QLD's 39.09% return. Over the past 10 years, SSO has underperformed QLD with an annualized return of 24.13%, while QLD has yielded a comparatively higher 36.48% annualized return.

SSO

• 1D: 1.90%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 16.98%
• 6M: 17.23%
• 1Y: 50.25%
• 3Y*: 34.07%
• 5Y*: 19.88%
• 10Y*: 24.13%

QLD

• 1D: 4.65%
• 1M: 5.17%
• YTD: 39.09%
• 6M: 37.88%
• 1Y: 82.76%
• 3Y*: 45.69%
• 5Y*: 24.22%
• 10Y*: 36.48%

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

SSO vs. QLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	16.98%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-38.98%	60.57%	21.54%	63.45%	-14.60%	44.35%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	39.09%	30.36%	42.82%	117.72%	-60.52%	54.67%	88.90%	81.69%	-8.31%	70.34%

Correlation

The correlation between SSO and QLD is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2006	0.89

The correlation between SSO and QLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

SSO vs. QLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSO	QLD
Financial Services	25.1%	0.2%
Technology	24.9%	58.7%
Communication Services	6.6%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	11.4%
Healthcare	5.7%	3.7%
Industrials	5.2%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	6.4%
Energy	2.2%	0.5%
Utilities	1.7%	1.2%
Real Estate	1.2%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.0%

Return for Risk

SSO vs. QLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SSO

SSO Risk / Return Rank: 60
SSO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SSO Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SSO Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SSO Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
SSO Martin Ratio Rank: 66

QLD

QLD Risk / Return Rank: 67
QLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
QLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
QLD Omega Ratio Rank: 65
QLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
QLD Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

SSO vs. QLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD). 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.

	SSO	QLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.32	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.76	-0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.37	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	3.25	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.65	11.03	+0.62

SSO vs. QLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSO Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the QLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSO and QLD, 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

SSO vs. QLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSO drawdown since its inception was -84.67%, roughly equal to the maximum QLD drawdown of -83.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSO and QLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSO	QLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.67%	-83.13%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.17%	-25.13%	+6.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-42.29%	+7.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.73%	-63.68%	+16.95%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.34%	-63.68%	+4.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.37%	-2.61%	-0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.53%	-18.14%	-1.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.25%	7.38%	-3.13%

Volatility

SSO vs. QLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) is 9.44%, while ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) has a volatility of 17.01%. This indicates that SSO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSO	QLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.44%	17.01%	-7.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.59%	28.48%	-8.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.74%	35.11%	-10.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.83%	45.23%	-11.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.98%	44.81%	-8.83%

SSO vs. QLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSO has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is lower than QLD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSO vs. QLD - Dividend Comparison

SSO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, more than QLD's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	0.12%	0.17%	0.25%	0.33%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.06%	0.02%	0.21%	0.11%
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	0.63%	0.68%	0.85%	0.18%	0.50%	0.18%	0.20%	0.50%	0.75%	0.39%	0.51%	0.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSO and QLD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, SSO and QLD 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, SSO or QLD?

QLD has higher volatility (17.01%) compared to SSO (9.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSO dropped -84.67% vs QLD's -83.13%.

Which ETF is better, SSO or QLD?

On 10-year performance, QLD leads with 36.48% vs 24.13% for SSO. On fees, SSO is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, SSO has been the lower-risk option at 9.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSO or QLD?

Over the 10-year period, QLD has performed better with a 36.48% return vs 24.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSO or QLD?

SSO is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for QLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SSO or QLD?

SSO has the higher dividend yield at 0.63%, compared with 0.12% for QLD.

What is the main difference between SSO and QLD?

SSO tracks S&P 500, while QLD tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.87% for SSO and 0.95% for QLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 2.01), 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.