PST vs QQQ
ProShares UltraShort 7-10 Year Treasury vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PST | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $10M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.79% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.18% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.29% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.03% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.68% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2008 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PST vs QQQ Performance
ProShares UltraShort 7-10 Year Treasury (PST) is a ETF from ProShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PST returned +6.29% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, PST is up 7.18% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, PST compounded at +3.03% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.68% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs -5.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 13.3% for PST. 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 -79.8% for PST and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PST 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, PST currently yields 2.79% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PST and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 103 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, PST or QQQ?
PST has an expense ratio of 0.95% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PST or QQQ?
Over the past year PST returned +6.29% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), PST annualized -5.23% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PST or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.3% for PST. Worst drawdown: PST -79.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PST and QQQ?
PST and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PST and QQQ?
PST and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PST or QQQ?
PST yields 2.79% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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