VGT vs. TQQQ

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and TQQQ (ProShares UltraPro QQQ) are both exchange-traded funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while TQQQ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGT returned 25.14%/yr vs 43.95%/yr for TQQQ. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TQQQ.

Performance

VGT vs. TQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 24.57% return, which is significantly lower than TQQQ's 44.91% return. Over the past 10 years, VGT has underperformed TQQQ with an annualized return of 25.14%, while TQQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 43.95% annualized return.

VGT

• 1D: 1.71%
• 1M: 4.28%
• YTD: 24.57%
• 6M: 21.33%
• 1Y: 50.38%
• 3Y*: 31.24%
• 5Y*: 20.82%
• 10Y*: 25.14%

TQQQ

• 1D: 4.41%
• 1M: -0.01%
• YTD: 44.91%
• 6M: 37.12%
• 1Y: 106.99%
• 3Y*: 62.78%
• 5Y*: 24.89%
• 10Y*: 43.95%

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

VGT vs. TQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	24.57%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%
TQQQ ProShares UltraPro QQQ	44.91%	34.35%	58.27%	198.04%	-79.09%	82.98%	110.05%	133.84%	-19.79%	118.06%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and TQQQ is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 12, 2010	0.96

The correlation between VGT and TQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VGT vs. TQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	TQQQ
Technology	98.5%	53.8%
Communication Services	0.5%	15.8%
Financial Services	0.5%	0.2%
Industrials	0.4%	2.8%
Energy	0.3%	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	12.3%
Basic Materials	0.0%	1.1%
Healthcare	0.0%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.7%
Real Estate	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

VGT vs. TQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 71
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 60

TQQQ

TQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 63
TQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
TQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
TQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 60
TQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
TQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

VGT vs. TQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ). 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.

	VGT	TQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.16	+0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.45	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.33	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.09	2.91	+0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.77	9.45	+0.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGT vs. TQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the TQQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and TQQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGT	TQQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	2.16	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83	0.37	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.02	0.67	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.72	-0.05

Drawdowns

VGT vs. TQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, smaller than the maximum TQQQ drawdown of -81.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and TQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	TQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-81.66%	+27.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-36.97%	+20.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-58.04%	+30.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	-81.66%	+46.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	-81.66%	+46.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.77%	-12.55%	+5.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-18.52%	+10.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.17%	11.36%	-6.19%

Volatility

VGT vs. TQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) is 9.39%, while ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) has a volatility of 20.84%. This indicates that VGT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TQQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	TQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.39%	20.84%	-11.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.44%	39.54%	-22.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.58%	49.94%	-28.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.33%	66.84%	-41.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.69%	66.15%	-41.46%

VGT vs. TQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than TQQQ's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGT vs. TQQQ - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than TQQQ's 0.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TQQQ ProShares UltraPro QQQ	0.41%	0.65%	1.27%	1.26%	0.57%	0.00%	0.00%	0.06%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGT and TQQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VGT and TQQQ 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, VGT or TQQQ?

TQQQ has higher volatility (20.84%) compared to VGT (9.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs TQQQ's -81.66%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or TQQQ?

On 10-year performance, TQQQ leads with 43.95% vs 25.14% for VGT. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 9.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or TQQQ?

Over the 10-year period, TQQQ has performed better with a 43.95% return vs 25.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or TQQQ?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TQQQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGT or TQQQ?

TQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.41%, compared with 0.33% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and TQQQ?

VGT is categorized as Technology Equities, while TQQQ is Leveraged Equities. VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while TQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VGT and 0.95% for TQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 2.16), 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.