UPRO vs. QLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

UPRO (ProShares UltraPro S&P 500) and QLD (ProShares Ultra QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - UPRO tracks the S&P 500 while QLD tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, UPRO returned 29.76%/yr vs 35.67%/yr for QLD. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. UPRO charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for QLD.

Performance

UPRO vs. QLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) 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, UPRO achieves a 20.70% return, which is significantly lower than QLD's 32.65% return. Over the past 10 years, UPRO has underperformed QLD with an annualized return of 29.76%, while QLD has yielded a comparatively higher 35.67% annualized return.

UPRO

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -3.92%
• YTD: 20.70%
• 6M: 21.09%
• 1Y: 70.79%
• 3Y*: 46.83%
• 5Y*: 21.40%
• 10Y*: 29.76%

QLD

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: -0.55%
• YTD: 32.65%
• 6M: 32.82%
• 1Y: 73.89%
• 3Y*: 44.57%
• 5Y*: 23.24%
• 10Y*: 35.67%

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

UPRO vs. QLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
UPRO ProShares UltraPro S&P 500	20.70%	31.88%	63.57%	68.53%	-56.84%	98.64%	10.09%	102.30%	-25.11%	71.37%
QLD ProShares Ultra QQQ	32.65%	30.36%	42.82%	117.72%	-60.52%	54.67%	88.90%	81.69%	-8.31%	70.34%

Correlation

The correlation between UPRO 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	0.93
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 25, 2009	0.90

The correlation between UPRO and QLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

UPRO vs. QLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UPRO	QLD
Technology	39.1%	58.7%
Financial Services	11.1%	0.2%
Communication Services	10.6%	14.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	11.4%
Healthcare	8.3%	3.7%
Industrials	7.8%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	6.4%
Energy	3.1%	0.5%
Utilities	2.1%	1.2%
Real Estate	1.8%	0.1%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.0%

Return for Risk

UPRO vs. QLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPRO

UPRO Risk / Return Rank: 57
UPRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
UPRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
UPRO Omega Ratio Rank: 54
UPRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
UPRO Martin Ratio Rank: 64

QLD

QLD Risk / Return Rank: 64
QLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
QLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
QLD Omega Ratio Rank: 64
QLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
QLD Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

UPRO vs. QLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) 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.

	UPRO	QLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	2.04	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.23	2.48	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.33	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	2.78	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.01	9.46	+0.55

UPRO vs. QLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UPRO Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the QLD Sharpe Ratio of 2.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UPRO 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

UPRO vs. QLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPRO drawdown since its inception was -76.82%, smaller than the maximum QLD drawdown of -83.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPRO and QLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPRO	QLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.82%	-83.13%	+6.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.78%	-25.13%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-48.87%	-42.29%	-6.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.94%	-63.68%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-76.82%	-63.68%	-13.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.60%	-7.11%	-0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.40%	-18.16%	+3.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.50%	7.36%	-0.86%

Volatility

UPRO vs. QLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) is 13.22%, while ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) has a volatility of 15.14%. This indicates that UPRO 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

	UPRO	QLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.22%	15.14%	-1.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.74%	27.51%	+1.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.77%	34.29%	+2.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.52%	45.07%	+5.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	53.83%	44.73%	+9.10%

UPRO vs. QLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

UPRO has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is lower than QLD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

UPRO vs. QLD - Dividend Comparison

UPRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.72%, 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%
UPRO ProShares UltraPro S&P 500	0.72%	0.84%	0.93%	0.74%	0.52%	0.06%	0.11%	0.41%	0.63%	0.00%	0.12%	0.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UPRO and QLD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, UPRO 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, UPRO or QLD?

QLD has higher volatility (15.14%) compared to UPRO (13.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UPRO dropped -76.82% vs QLD's -83.13%.

Which ETF is better, UPRO or QLD?

On 10-year performance, QLD leads with 35.67% vs 29.76% for UPRO. On fees, UPRO is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, UPRO has been the lower-risk option at 13.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UPRO or QLD?

Over the 10-year period, QLD has performed better with a 35.67% return vs 29.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPRO or QLD?

UPRO is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for QLD.

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

UPRO has the higher dividend yield at 0.72%, compared with 0.13% for QLD.

What is the main difference between UPRO and QLD?

UPRO tracks S&P 500, while QLD tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.89% for UPRO and 0.95% for QLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.77), 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.