UWM vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

UWM (ProShares Ultra Russell2000) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both Leveraged Equities funds from ProShares - UWM tracks the Russell 2000 Index (200%) while SQQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, UWM returned 11.79%/yr vs -55.28%/yr for SQQQ. At a correlation of -0.74, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

UWM vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra Russell2000 (UWM) 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, UWM achieves a 36.62% return, which is significantly higher than SQQQ's -40.27% return. Over the past 10 years, UWM has outperformed SQQQ with an annualized return of 11.79%, while SQQQ has yielded a comparatively lower -55.28% annualized return.

UWM

• 1D: -1.64%
• 1M: 0.31%
• 6M: 21.36%
• YTD: 36.62%
• 1Y: 63.22%
• 3Y*: 22.43%
• 5Y*: 4.04%
• 10Y*: 11.79%

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)

UWM vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
UWM ProShares Ultra Russell2000	36.62%	13.59%	11.32%	22.62%	-43.69%	23.91%	16.57%	48.62%	-25.89%	26.92%
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 UWM and SQQQ is -0.69, 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	-0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2010	-0.74

The correlation between UWM and SQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.74 to -0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

UWM vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	UWM	SQQQ
Technology	19.1%	-
Industrials	17.8%	-
Healthcare	16.3%	-
Financial Services	15.5%	109.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	-
Real Estate	5.9%	-
Energy	5.4%	-
Basic Materials	4.7%	-
Utilities	2.7%	-
Communication Services	2.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	-

Return for Risk

UWM vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

UWM

UWM Risk / Return Rank: 63
UWM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
UWM Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
UWM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
UWM Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
UWM Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

UWM vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra Russell2000 (UWM) 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.

	UWM	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	-1.01	+2.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	-1.69	+3.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	0.82	+0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	-0.92	+3.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.72	-1.71	+11.43

UWM vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UWM Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is higher than the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UWM 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

UWM vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UWM drawdown since its inception was -88.21%, smaller than the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UWM and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	UWM	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-88.21%	-100.00%	+11.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.28%	-61.03%	+38.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-49.79%	-92.51%	+42.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.62%	-97.27%	+35.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.46%	-99.97%	+28.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.69%	-100.00%	+95.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-30.72%	-92.75%	+62.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.52%	32.78%	-26.26%

Volatility

UWM vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Ultra Russell2000 (UWM) is 9.46%, while ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) has a volatility of 26.05%. This indicates that UWM 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

	UWM	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.46%	26.05%	-16.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.11%	45.88%	-17.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.75%	55.64%	-16.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	45.08%	67.87%	-22.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	46.00%	66.56%	-20.56%

UWM vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

UWM vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

UWM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.82%, less than SQQQ's 10.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
UWM ProShares Ultra Russell2000	0.82%	1.05%	1.16%	0.34%	0.40%	0.00%	0.07%	0.55%	0.41%	0.11%	0.27%	0.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UWM and SQQQ in my portfolio?

UWM and SQQQ have a correlation of -0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UWM or SQQQ?

SQQQ has higher volatility (26.05%) compared to UWM (9.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UWM dropped -88.21% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, UWM or SQQQ?

On 10-year performance, UWM leads with 11.79% vs -55.28% for SQQQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, UWM has been the lower-risk option at 9.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UWM or SQQQ?

Over the 10-year period, UWM has performed better with a 11.79% return vs -55.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UWM or SQQQ?

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

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

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 10.00%, compared with 0.82% for UWM.

What is the main difference between UWM and SQQQ?

UWM tracks Russell 2000 Index (200%), while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%).

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UWM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 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.