MZZ vs QQQ
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, MZZ or QQQ?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.78, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MZZ | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $4M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.56% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 4 | 107 |
| YTD Return | -15.46% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | -16.80% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -21.16% | +25.63%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -16.19% | +15.24%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.9% | 18.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -53.5% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $4,135 | $20,324Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 12, 2006 to Sep 18, 2026 (20.2 years).
MZZ vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
MZZ vs QQQ Performance
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 (MZZ) is an ETF from ProShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year MZZ returned -16.80% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, MZZ is down 15.46% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Over three years, MZZ compounded at -21.16% per year against +25.63% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -16.19% and +15.24% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +16.05% annualized vs -30.50%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MZZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.9% compared with 18.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.78. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MZZ charges 0.95% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $18 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MZZ currently yields 5.56% against 0.44% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MZZ and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MZZ or QQQ?
MZZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $77 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MZZ or QQQ?
Over the past year MZZ returned -16.80% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MZZ annualized -30.50% vs +16.05% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MZZ or QQQ?
MZZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.9% annualized versus 18.6% for QQQ.
Should I hold both MZZ and QQQ?
MZZ and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MZZ or QQQ?
MZZ yields 5.56% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so MZZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than MZZ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.78, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.