VOOG vs. TQQQ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) and TQQQ (ProShares UltraPro QQQ) are both exchange-traded funds - VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, while TQQQ is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOOG returned 17.86%/yr vs 44.55%/yr for TQQQ. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VOOG charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for TQQQ.

Performance

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) 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, VOOG achieves a 9.67% return, which is significantly lower than TQQQ's 47.28% return. Over the past 10 years, VOOG has underperformed TQQQ with an annualized return of 17.86%, while TQQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 44.55% annualized return.

VOOG

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: -1.66%
• YTD: 9.67%
• 6M: 10.61%
• 1Y: 27.55%
• 3Y*: 25.78%
• 5Y*: 14.86%
• 10Y*: 17.86%

TQQQ

• 1D: 1.99%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 47.28%
• 6M: 47.23%
• 1Y: 106.26%
• 3Y*: 59.79%
• 5Y*: 24.34%
• 10Y*: 44.55%

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

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	9.67%	22.11%	35.89%	29.96%	-29.48%	31.95%	33.35%	30.93%	-0.21%	27.19%
TQQQ ProShares UltraPro QQQ	47.28%	34.35%	58.27%	198.04%	-79.09%	82.98%	110.05%	133.84%	-19.79%	118.06%

Correlation

The correlation between VOOG and TQQQ is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.95

The correlation between VOOG and TQQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOOG	TQQQ
Technology	49.4%	53.8%
Communication Services	18.0%	15.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	12.3%
Financial Services	8.8%	0.2%
Industrials	6.2%	2.8%
Healthcare	5.8%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.0%	7.7%
Real Estate	0.6%	0.1%
Utilities	0.4%	1.4%
Basic Materials	0.4%	1.1%
Energy	0.1%	0.6%

Return for Risk

VOOG vs. TQQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOOG

VOOG Risk / Return Rank: 52
VOOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 53

TQQQ

TQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 64
TQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
TQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
TQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 62
TQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
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.

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) 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.

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.

	VOOG	TQQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	2.09	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.26	2.42	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.02	2.89	-0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.11	9.26	-1.15

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is comparable to the TQQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOOG 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.

Drawdowns

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOOG drawdown since its inception was -32.73%, smaller than the maximum TQQQ drawdown of -81.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOOG and TQQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOOG	TQQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.73%	-81.66%	+48.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-36.97%	+23.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.18%	-58.04%	+35.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.73%	-81.66%	+48.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.73%	-81.66%	+48.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.65%	-11.12%	+6.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.97%	-18.51%	+13.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	11.52%	-8.12%

Volatility

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) is 6.29%, while ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) has a volatility of 22.79%. This indicates that VOOG 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

	VOOG	TQQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.29%	22.79%	-16.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.43%	41.26%	-27.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.60%	51.24%	-34.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.29%	67.02%	-45.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.78%	66.22%	-45.44%

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOOG has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than TQQQ's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOOG vs. TQQQ - Dividend Comparison

VOOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, more 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%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.45%	0.49%	0.49%	1.12%	0.93%	0.53%	0.88%	1.26%	1.34%	1.32%	1.47%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOOG and TQQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VOOG 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, VOOG or TQQQ?

TQQQ has higher volatility (22.79%) compared to VOOG (6.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOOG dropped -32.73% vs TQQQ's -81.66%.

Which ETF is better, VOOG or TQQQ?

On 10-year performance, TQQQ leads with 44.55% vs 17.86% for VOOG. On fees, VOOG is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VOOG has been the lower-risk option at 6.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOOG or TQQQ?

Over the 10-year period, TQQQ has performed better with a 44.55% return vs 17.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOOG or TQQQ?

VOOG is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for TQQQ.

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

VOOG has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.41% for TQQQ.

What is the main difference between VOOG and TQQQ?

VOOG is categorized as S&P 500, while TQQQ is Leveraged Equities. VOOG tracks S&P 500 Growth Index, while TQQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index (300%). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VOOG and 0.95% for TQQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.09 vs 1.67), 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.