TQQQ vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

TQQQ (ProShares UltraPro QQQ) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - TQQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (300%) while SQQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, TQQQ returned 46.45%/yr vs -56.54%/yr for SQQQ. At a correlation of -1.00, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) 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, TQQQ achieves a 42.40% return, which is significantly higher than SQQQ's -40.98% return. Over the past 10 years, TQQQ has outperformed SQQQ with an annualized return of 46.45%, while SQQQ has yielded a comparatively lower -56.54% annualized return.

TQQQ

• 1D: 2.25%
• 1M: -8.54%
• YTD: 42.40%
• 6M: 35.61%
• 1Y: 91.80%
• 3Y*: 60.52%
• 5Y*: 21.71%
• 10Y*: 46.45%

SQQQ

• 1D: -2.42%
• 1M: 2.09%
• YTD: -40.98%
• 6M: -38.01%
• 1Y: -59.41%
• 3Y*: -54.63%
• 5Y*: -47.03%
• 10Y*: -56.54%

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

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
TQQQ ProShares UltraPro QQQ	42.40%	34.35%	58.27%	198.04%	-79.09%	82.98%	110.05%	133.84%	-19.79%	118.06%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-40.98%	-53.05%	-49.79%	-73.61%	82.40%	-60.87%	-86.40%	-65.92%	-20.83%	-58.67%

Correlation

The correlation between TQQQ and SQQQ is -1.00, 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	-1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2010	-1.00

The correlation between TQQQ and SQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -1.00 to -1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TQQQ	SQQQ
Technology	53.8%	-
Communication Services	15.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	-
Healthcare	4.2%	-
Industrials	2.8%	-
Utilities	1.4%	-
Basic Materials	1.1%	-
Energy	0.6%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	122.0%
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

TQQQ vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

TQQQ

TQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 55
TQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
TQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
TQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
TQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
TQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) 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.

	TQQQ	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.73	-1.11	+2.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.15	-1.98	+4.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	0.79	+0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.50	-0.96	+3.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.89	-1.84	+9.74

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TQQQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.73, which is higher than the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -1.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TQQQ 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

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TQQQ drawdown since its inception was -81.66%, smaller than the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TQQQ and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	TQQQ	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.66%	-100.00%	+18.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.97%	-62.23%	+25.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-58.04%	-92.51%	+34.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-81.66%	-97.27%	+15.61%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-81.66%	-99.98%	+18.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.07%	-100.00%	+85.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.49%	-92.73%	+74.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.67%	33.76%	-22.09%

Volatility

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) and ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) have volatilities of 26.81% and 26.22%, 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

	TQQQ	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	26.81%	26.22%	+0.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.27%	43.25%	+0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	53.22%	53.47%	-0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.42%	67.54%	-0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	66.30%	66.45%	-0.15%

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

TQQQ vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

TQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than SQQQ's 10.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	10.12%	9.36%	10.23%	8.01%	0.28%	0.00%	2.15%	2.92%	1.47%	0.14%	0.00%	0.00%
TQQQ ProShares UltraPro QQQ	0.27%	0.65%	1.27%	1.26%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.06%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TQQQ and SQQQ in my portfolio?

TQQQ and SQQQ have a correlation of -1.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TQQQ or SQQQ?

TQQQ has higher volatility (26.81%) compared to SQQQ (26.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TQQQ dropped -81.66% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, TQQQ or SQQQ?

On 10-year performance, TQQQ leads with 46.45% vs -56.54% for SQQQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, SQQQ has been the lower-risk option at 26.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TQQQ or SQQQ?

Over the 10-year period, TQQQ has performed better with a 46.45% return vs -56.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TQQQ or SQQQ?

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

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

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.12%, compared with 0.27% for TQQQ.

What is the main difference between TQQQ and SQQQ?

TQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (300%), while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs -1.11), 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.