TUG vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TUG (STF Tactical Growth ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TUG is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by STF, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. TUG is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TUG returned 22.83%/yr vs 27.47%/yr for QQQ. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TUG charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

TUG vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TUG achieves a 19.27% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 20.41% return.

TUG

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 19.27%
• 6M: 18.51%
• 1Y: 39.11%
• 3Y*: 22.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 2.96%
• YTD: 20.41%
• 6M: 19.46%
• 1Y: 40.91%
• 3Y*: 27.47%
• 5Y*: 16.94%
• 10Y*: 22.48%

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

TUG vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TUG STF Tactical Growth ETF	19.27%	20.43%	19.37%	38.24%	-12.62%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	20.41%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-7.98%

Correlation

The correlation between TUG and QQQ is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2022	0.92

The correlation between TUG and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

TUG vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

TUG

TUG Risk / Return Rank: 67
TUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
TUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
TUG Omega Ratio Rank: 67
TUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
TUG Martin Ratio Rank: 66

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 72
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 72
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

TUG vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	TUG	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.33	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	3.03	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.41	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	3.44	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.76	12.79	-1.02

TUG vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TUG Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TUG and QQQ, 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

TUG vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TUG drawdown since its inception was -22.27%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TUG and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	TUG	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.27%	-82.97%	+60.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.31%	-11.96%	-0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.27%	-22.77%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-0.99%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.30%	-32.73%	+28.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.33%	3.21%	+0.12%

Volatility

TUG vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG) is 8.04%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 8.47%. This indicates that TUG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TUG	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.04%	8.47%	-0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.01%	14.20%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.61%	17.67%	-0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.28%	22.64%	-4.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.28%	22.43%	-4.15%

TUG vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

TUG has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

TUG vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

TUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.44%, more than QQQ's 0.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.49%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%
TUG STF Tactical Growth ETF	1.44%	1.75%	4.97%	1.34%	1.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TUG and QQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, TUG and QQQ 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, TUG or QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (8.47%) compared to TUG (8.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TUG dropped -22.27% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, TUG or QQQ?

On 3-year performance, QQQ leads with 27.47% vs 22.83% for TUG. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, TUG has been the lower-risk option at 8.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TUG or QQQ?

Over the 3-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 27.47% return vs 22.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TUG or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for TUG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TUG or QQQ?

TUG has the higher dividend yield at 1.44%, compared with 0.49% for QQQ.

What is the main difference between TUG and QQQ?

TUG is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: STF and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for TUG and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.24), 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.