PSQ vs VOO
ProShares Short QQQ vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $641M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -12.56% | +12.63% | |
| 1Y Return | -18.27% | +20.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -16.87% | +21.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.76% | +12.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PSQ vs VOO Performance
ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSQ returned -18.27% while VOO returned +20.89%. Year to date, PSQ is down 12.56% versus a gain of 12.63% for VOO.
Over three years, PSQ compounded at -16.87% per year against +21.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -11.76% and +12.62% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs -17.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -98.4% for PSQ and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.89. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSQ charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSQ currently yields 4.26% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PSQ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSQ or VOO?
PSQ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSQ or VOO?
Over the past year PSQ returned -18.27% vs +20.89% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSQ annualized -17.14% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSQ or VOO?
PSQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PSQ -98.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PSQ and VOO?
PSQ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSQ and VOO?
PSQ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSQ or VOO?
PSQ yields 4.26% while VOO yields 1.08%, so PSQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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