QQDN vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQQDNSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.09%
AUM$1M$789.1B
Dividend Yield5.20%1.01%
Holdings4505
YTD Return-18.65%+13.68%
1Y Return-28.24%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)42.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-50.2%-56.5%
Fund FamilyProSharesState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2025Jan 22, 1993

QQDN vs SPY Performance

ProShares UltraShort QQQ Mega (QQDN) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QQDN returned -28.24% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, QQDN is down 18.65% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

QQDN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -50.2% for QQDN and -56.5% for SPY. 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 -0.83. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QQDN charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQDN currently yields 5.20% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QQDN or SPY?

QQDN has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QQDN or SPY?

Over the past year QQDN returned -28.24% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QQDN annualized -40.81% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QQDN or SPY?

QQDN has been the more volatile fund at 42.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQDN -50.2% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both QQDN and SPY?

QQDN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QQDN or SPY?

QQDN yields 5.20% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QQDN currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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