SQQQ vs VTI
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SQQQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.13% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -42.05% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -55.32% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -54.21% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -44.93% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
SQQQ vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SQQQ returned -55.32% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SQQQ is down 42.05% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SQQQ compounded at -54.21% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -44.93% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -52.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -100.0% for SQQQ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.86. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SQQQ charges 0.95% per year while VTI 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, SQQQ currently yields 9.13% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SQQQ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, SQQQ or VTI?
SQQQ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SQQQ or VTI?
Over the past year SQQQ returned -55.32% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SQQQ annualized -52.76% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SQQQ or VTI?
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 48.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SQQQ -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SQQQ and VTI?
SQQQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SQQQ and VTI?
SQQQ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SQQQ or VTI?
SQQQ yields 9.13% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SQQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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