UPV vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

UPV (ProShares Ultra Europe) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - UPV tracks the MSCI Europe Index (200%) while SQQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, UPV returned 11.66%/yr vs -55.28%/yr for SQQQ. At a correlation of -0.60, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

UPV vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra Europe (UPV) 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, UPV achieves a 8.72% return, which is significantly higher than SQQQ's -40.27% return. Over the past 10 years, UPV has outperformed SQQQ with an annualized return of 11.66%, while SQQQ has yielded a comparatively lower -55.28% annualized return.

UPV

• 1D: -1.70%
• 1M: -1.91%
• 6M: 2.53%
• YTD: 8.72%
• 1Y: 24.66%
• 3Y*: 21.43%
• 5Y*: 8.50%
• 10Y*: 11.66%

SQQQ

• 1D: 5.74%
• 1M: 1.37%
• 6M: -36.57%
• YTD: -40.27%
• 1Y: -56.10%
• 3Y*: -51.78%
• 5Y*: -45.66%
• 10Y*: -55.28%

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

UPV vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
UPV ProShares Ultra Europe	8.72%	68.63%	-4.51%	32.16%	-36.58%	32.38%	-3.15%	47.04%	-32.64%	57.44%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-40.27%	-53.05%	-49.79%	-73.61%	82.40%	-60.87%	-86.40%	-65.92%	-20.83%	-58.67%

Correlation

The correlation between UPV and SQQQ is -0.63, 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	-0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 7, 2010	-0.61

The correlation between UPV and SQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.64 to -0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

UPV vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UPV	SQQQ
Financial Services	36.9%	109.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

UPV vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

UPV

UPV Risk / Return Rank: 28
UPV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
UPV Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
UPV Omega Ratio Rank: 26
UPV Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
UPV Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

UPV vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra Europe (UPV) 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.

	UPV	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.78	-1.01	+1.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	-1.69	+2.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	0.82	+0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.06	-0.92	+1.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.51	-1.71	+5.22

UPV vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UPV Sharpe Ratio is 0.78, which is higher than the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UPV 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

UPV vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UPV drawdown since its inception was -67.25%, smaller than the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UPV and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	UPV	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.25%	-100.00%	+32.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.41%	-61.03%	+37.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.54%	-92.51%	+64.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-58.33%	-97.27%	+38.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-67.25%	-99.97%	+32.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.23%	-100.00%	+93.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.73%	-92.75%	+72.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.04%	32.78%	-25.74%

Volatility

UPV vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Ultra Europe (UPV) is 9.50%, while ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) has a volatility of 26.05%. This indicates that UPV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SQQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UPV	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.50%	26.05%	-16.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.31%	45.88%	-18.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.73%	55.64%	-23.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.54%	67.87%	-32.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.14%	66.56%	-30.42%

UPV vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

UPV vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

UPV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.28%, less than SQQQ's 10.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	10.00%	9.36%	10.23%	8.01%	0.28%	0.00%	2.15%	2.92%	1.47%	0.14%
UPV ProShares Ultra Europe	2.28%	2.11%	2.70%	1.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.65%	3.80%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UPV and SQQQ in my portfolio?

UPV and SQQQ have a correlation of -0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UPV or SQQQ?

SQQQ has higher volatility (26.05%) compared to UPV (9.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UPV dropped -67.25% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, UPV or SQQQ?

On 10-year performance, UPV leads with 11.66% vs -55.28% for SQQQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, UPV has been the lower-risk option at 9.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UPV or SQQQ?

Over the 10-year period, UPV has performed better with a 11.66% return vs -55.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UPV or SQQQ?

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

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

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.00%, compared with 2.28% for UPV.

What is the main difference between UPV and SQQQ?

UPV tracks MSCI Europe Index (200%), while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UPV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.78 vs -1.01), 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.