QQQ vs SDD
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 vs ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600
Which is better, QQQ or SDD?
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 -0.73, 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 | QQQ | SDD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $483.5B | $1M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 6.20% |
| Holdings | 107 | 3 |
| YTD Return | +17.21%Best | -24.58% |
| 1Y Return | +22.10%Best | -29.21% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.27%Best | -24.88% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.60%Best | -16.22% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8%Best | 38.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -53.5% | - |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $19,766Best | $4,128 |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | ProShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Trading-Inverse Equity |
| Inception | Mar 10, 1999 | Jan 23, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 25, 2007 to Sep 17, 2026 (19.6 years).
QQQ vs SDD 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.
QQQ vs SDD Performance
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) is an ETF from ProShares. Over the past year QQQ returned +22.10% while SDD returned -29.21%. Year to date, QQQ is up 17.21% versus a loss of 24.58% for SDD.
Over three years, QQQ compounded at +25.27% per year against -24.88% for SDD; over five years the annualized figures are +14.60% and -16.22% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +15.49% annualized vs -29.16%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.8% compared with 18.8% 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 -0.73. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQ charges 0.18% per year while SDD charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $95 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQ currently yields 0.44% against 6.20% for SDD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of QQQ and SDD 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, QQQ or SDD?
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SDD charges 0.95%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $77 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, QQQ or SDD?
Over the past year QQQ returned +22.10% vs -29.21% for SDD, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), QQQ annualized +15.49% vs -29.16% for SDD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, QQQ or SDD?
SDD has been the more volatile fund at 38.8% annualized versus 18.8% for QQQ.
Should I hold both QQQ and SDD?
QQQ and SDD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.73, 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, QQQ or SDD?
QQQ yields 0.44% while SDD yields 6.20%, so SDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SDD better than QQQ?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.73, 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.