TECL vs. QLD

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

TECL (Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares) and QLD (ProShares Ultra QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds - TECL tracks the Technology Select Sector Index (300%) while QLD tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TECL returned 51.28%/yr vs 35.29%/yr for QLD. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TECL charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for QLD.

Performance

TECL vs. QLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) 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, TECL achieves a 83.49% return, which is significantly higher than QLD's 31.05% return. Over the past 10 years, TECL has outperformed QLD with an annualized return of 51.28%, while QLD has yielded a comparatively lower 35.29% annualized return.

TECL

• 1D: 6.30%
• 1M: 11.53%
• YTD: 83.49%
• 6M: 68.65%
• 1Y: 192.14%
• 3Y*: 69.70%
• 5Y*: 37.52%
• 10Y*: 51.28%

QLD

• 1D: 3.03%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 31.05%
• 6M: 26.63%
• 1Y: 69.67%
• 3Y*: 46.32%
• 5Y*: 23.57%
• 10Y*: 35.29%

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

TECL vs. QLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	83.49%	38.60%	36.15%	203.14%	-74.32%	112.80%	69.46%	185.58%	-24.03%	124.82%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	31.05%	30.36%	42.82%	117.72%	-60.52%	54.67%	88.90%	81.69%	-8.31%	70.34%

Correlation

The correlation between TECL and QLD is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 30, 2008	0.96

The correlation between TECL and QLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

TECL vs. QLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TECL	QLD
Technology	20.6%	53.8%
Energy	0.0%	0.6%
Industrials	0.0%	2.8%
Basic Materials	-	1.1%
Communication Services	-	15.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.7%
Financial Services	-	0.2%
Healthcare	-	4.2%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

TECL vs. QLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

TECL

TECL Risk / Return Rank: 77
TECL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
TECL Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
TECL Omega Ratio Rank: 72
TECL Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
TECL Martin Ratio Rank: 70

QLD

QLD Risk / Return Rank: 63
QLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
QLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
QLD Omega Ratio Rank: 62
QLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
QLD Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

TECL vs. QLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) 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.

	TECL	QLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	2.10	+0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	2.52	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.34	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	2.79	+1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.82	9.64	+2.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TECL vs. QLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TECL Sharpe Ratio is 2.94, which is higher than the QLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TECL 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TECL	QLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.94	2.10	+0.84
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51	0.53	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71	0.79	-0.08
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	0.58	+0.15

Drawdowns

TECL vs. QLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TECL drawdown since its inception was -77.96%, smaller than the maximum QLD drawdown of -83.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TECL and QLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	TECL	QLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.96%	-83.13%	+5.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-46.58%	-25.13%	-21.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-66.58%	-42.29%	-24.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-77.96%	-63.68%	-14.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-77.96%	-63.68%	-14.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.19%	-8.24%	-12.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.38%	-18.16%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.33%	7.25%	+9.08%

Volatility

TECL vs. QLD - Volatility Comparison

Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares (TECL) has a higher volatility of 32.17% compared to ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) at 13.78%. This indicates that TECL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TECL	QLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	32.17%	13.78%	+18.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	55.30%	26.34%	+28.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	65.89%	33.42%	+32.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	74.68%	44.95%	+29.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.68%	44.68%	+28.00%

TECL vs. QLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

TECL has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is lower than QLD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

TECL vs. QLD - Dividend Comparison

TECL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than QLD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	0.13%	0.17%	0.25%	0.33%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.13%	0.06%	0.02%	0.21%	0.11%
TECL Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X Shares	3.87%	7.19%	0.29%	0.28%	0.22%	0.32%	0.52%	0.25%	0.47%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TECL and QLD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, TECL 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, TECL or QLD?

TECL has higher volatility (32.17%) compared to QLD (13.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TECL dropped -77.96% vs QLD's -83.13%.

Which ETF is better, TECL or QLD?

On 10-year performance, TECL leads with 51.28% vs 35.29% for QLD. On fees, TECL is cheaper at 0.91% per year. On volatility, QLD has been the lower-risk option at 13.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TECL or QLD?

Over the 10-year period, TECL has performed better with a 51.28% return vs 35.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TECL or QLD?

TECL is cheaper with a 0.91% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for QLD.

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

TECL has the higher dividend yield at 3.87%, compared with 0.13% for QLD.

What is the main difference between TECL and QLD?

TECL tracks Technology Select Sector Index (300%), while QLD tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). They also come from different issuers: Direxion and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.91% for TECL and 0.95% for QLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TECL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.94 vs 2.10), 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.