VERS vs. SQQQ

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VERS (ProShares Metaverse ETF) and SQQQ (ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ) are both exchange-traded funds - VERS is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Metaverse Theme Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SQQQ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VERS returned 18.78%/yr vs -50.96%/yr for SQQQ. At a correlation of -0.87, they often move in opposite directions. VERS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for SQQQ.

Performance

VERS vs. SQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Metaverse ETF (VERS) 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, VERS achieves a 12.85% return, which is significantly higher than SQQQ's -38.86% return.

VERS

• 1D: -4.05%
• 1M: -9.71%
• 6M: 10.72%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 1Y: 26.64%
• 3Y*: 18.78%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SQQQ

• 1D: 5.01%
• 1M: 8.33%
• 6M: -36.79%
• YTD: -38.86%
• 1Y: -54.36%
• 3Y*: -50.96%
• 5Y*: -45.88%
• 10Y*: -55.08%

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

VERS vs. SQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VERS ProShares Metaverse ETF	12.85%	26.16%	16.92%	51.13%	-33.05%
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	-38.86%	-53.05%	-49.79%	-73.61%	30.92%

Correlation

The correlation between VERS and SQQQ is -0.85, 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	-0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 17, 2022	-0.87

The correlation between VERS and SQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.87 to -0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

VERS vs. SQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VERS	SQQQ
Technology	76.6%	-
Communication Services	16.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.0%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	109.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VERS vs. SQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VERS

VERS Risk / Return Rank: 29
VERS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VERS Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VERS Omega Ratio Rank: 29
VERS Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
VERS Martin Ratio Rank: 27

SQQQ

SQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 1
SQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
SQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
SQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 2
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.

VERS vs. SQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Metaverse ETF (VERS) 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.

	VERS	SQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.89	-0.98	+1.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.33	-1.58	+2.91
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	0.83	+0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.16	-0.89	+2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.98	-1.63	+4.61

VERS vs. SQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VERS Sharpe Ratio is 0.89, which is higher than the SQQQ Sharpe Ratio of -0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VERS 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

VERS vs. SQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VERS drawdown since its inception was -42.13%, smaller than the maximum SQQQ drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VERS and SQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VERS	SQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.13%	-100.00%	+57.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.02%	-61.03%	+38.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.34%	-92.51%	+63.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-97.27%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.17%	-100.00%	+81.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.96%	-92.76%	+77.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.97%	33.36%	-24.39%

Volatility

VERS vs. SQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Metaverse ETF (VERS) is 10.69%, while ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) has a volatility of 22.32%. This indicates that VERS 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

	VERS	SQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.69%	22.32%	-11.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.03%	46.22%	-21.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.13%	55.87%	-25.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.73%	67.91%	-36.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.73%	66.57%	-34.84%

VERS vs. SQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VERS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than SQQQ's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VERS vs. SQQQ - Dividend Comparison

VERS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than SQQQ's 9.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SQQQ ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ	9.77%	9.36%	10.23%	8.01%	0.28%	0.00%	2.15%	2.92%	1.47%	0.14%
VERS ProShares Metaverse ETF	0.13%	0.52%	0.58%	0.63%	0.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VERS and SQQQ in my portfolio?

VERS and SQQQ have a correlation of -0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VERS or SQQQ?

SQQQ has higher volatility (22.32%) compared to VERS (10.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VERS dropped -42.13% vs SQQQ's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, VERS or SQQQ?

On 3-year performance, VERS leads with 18.78% vs -50.96% for SQQQ. On fees, VERS is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, VERS has been the lower-risk option at 10.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VERS or SQQQ?

Over the 3-year period, VERS has performed better with a 18.78% return vs -50.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VERS or SQQQ?

VERS is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SQQQ.

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

SQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 9.77%, compared with 0.13% for VERS.

What is the main difference between VERS and SQQQ?

VERS is categorized as Technology Equities, while SQQQ is Leveraged Equities. VERS tracks Solactive Metaverse Theme Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (-300%). Their fees differ too: 0.58% for VERS and 0.95% for SQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VERS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.89 vs -0.98), 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.