SQQQ Stock: ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ Profile & Analysis (2026)
SQQQ is a leveraged inverse ETF designed to provide three times the opposite daily performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index. — Updated May 2026 with current AUM, expense ratio, holdings, and performance data.
The ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is a powerful, high-risk financial instrument designed for sophisticated traders seeking to profit from declines in the tech-heavy NASDAQ-100 Index. As a 3x leveraged inverse ETF, SQQQ aims to deliver returns that are triple the inverse of its underlying index’s daily performance. This makes it a primary tool for those tracking the List Of Etfs Focusing On The Nasdaq who believe a market correction is imminent. However, investors must recognize that SQQQ is strictly not for long-term holding; it is an aggressive tactical vehicle for short-term market timing.
Because the NASDAQ-100 is heavily weighted toward the Complete List Of Semiconductor Companies Listed On U S Exchanges and major software firms, SQQQ performance is inversely tied to the success of big tech. While its bullish counterpart, the TQQQ Stock Profile, gains during rallies, SQQQ thrives when these sectors face headwinds. Traders should be acutely aware of “volatility decay,” a phenomenon where the daily reset of leverage can erode capital in sideways markets, making it a dangerous choice for anyone without a disciplined exit strategy.
Key Takeaways — SQQQ Stock
SQQQ aims for -3x the daily return of the NASDAQ-100, providing aggressive profit potential during market downturns.
Due to daily resets, holding SQQQ during sideways or volatile markets leads to value erosion, even if the index eventually drops.
This fund is intended for intraday or very short-term tactical plays and should not be used as a buy and hold position.
With a 0.95% expense ratio, the cost of carry is high, reflecting the complexity of the derivatives used to achieve leverage.
SQQQ — Live Price Chart
Real-time chart from TradingView.
SQQQ ETF Vitals & Key Statistics
Core data as of May 2026.
| Data Point | Value | Data Point | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ | Ticker | SQQQ |
| Issuer | ProShares (ProShare Advisors LLC) | Asset Class | Equities (Stocks) / Inverse Equity: U.S. Large Cap |
| Index Tracked | NASDAQ-100 Index | Structure | ETF |
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | AUM | $2.23B |
| Inception Date | February 9, 2010 | Exchange | NASDAQ |
| No. of Holdings | 22 | Dividend Yield | 12.19% |
| 52-Week High | $123.58 | 52-Week Low | $36.96 |
| Avg Daily Volume | 59.95 million | YTD Return | 39.81% |
| 1-Year Return | 54.45% | 5-Year Return | 49.10% |
| Category | Trading—Inverse Equity | Dividend Frequency | Quarterly |
SQQQ Top 10 Holdings (May 2026)
Largest positions by weight. Click columns to sort.
| Rank | Ticker | Company Name | Sector | Weight % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | Derivatives offset | Derivatives | 300.00% |
| 2 | IQMM | PROSHARES GENIUS MNY MKT ETF | Money Market | 99.48% |
| 3 | — | Net Other Assets & Liabilities | Cash/Other | 87.61% |
| 4 | — | NASDAQ 100 Index SWAP BNP Paribas | Derivatives | 33.77% |
| 5 | — | NASDAQ 100 Index SWAP JPMorgan Chase Bank NA | Derivatives | 32.37% |
| 6 | — | NASDAQ 100 Index SWAP Barclays Capital | Derivatives | 30.92% |
| 7 | — | NASDAQ 100 Index SWAP UBS AG | Derivatives | 30.67% |
| 8 | — | NASDAQ 100 Index SWAP Bank of America NA | Derivatives | 30.46% |
| 9 | — | NASDAQ 100 Index SWAP Societe Generale | Derivatives | 27.93% |
| 10 | — | NASDAQ 100 Index SWAP Morgan Stanley | Derivatives | 27.80% |
SQQQ — Pros & Cons
✓ Profit from Crashes
Provides a straightforward way to profit massively during rapid technology sector sell-offs.
✗ Volatility Decay
Mathematical decay destroys value in choppy markets, even if the trend is slightly down.
✓ High Liquidity
Massive daily volume ensures tight spreads and easy entry/exit for active traders.
✗ Compounding Risk
3x leverage means losses accelerate quickly if the NASDAQ-100 rallies unexpectedly.
✓ Hedging Tool
Can be used as a temporary hedge for long tech portfolios during periods of high uncertainty.
✗ Not for Long-Term
Over long periods, the fund’s price tends to move toward zero due to the upward bias of markets and decay.
Who Should Consider SQQQ?
Experienced short-term traders and market timers who have a high conviction that the NASDAQ-100 will fall in the immediate future.
Long-term, “buy and hold” investors, retirees, or anyone who does not monitor their portfolio daily.
You expect a significant market correction in tech stocks and want to hedge a large Software Stocks In The Sp 500 Index position.
Standard brokerage accounts for active trading; usually avoided in long-term retirement accounts.
SQQQ vs Similar ETFs
Key metrics comparison.
| ETF | Full Name | Expense Ratio | AUM | Holdings | Div Yield | YTD | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQQQ ★ | ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ | 0.95% | $2.23B | 22 | 12.19% | 39.81% | Maximum 3x Inverse Exposure |
| QID | ProShares UltraShort QQQ | 0.95% | $245M | 15 | 6.50% | 25.40% | Moderate 2x Inverse Leverage |
| PSQ | ProShares Short QQQ | 0.95% | $512M | 10 | 3.10% | 12.10% | Simple 1x Inverse Exposure |
| QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust | 0.20% | $250B+ | 101 | 0.60% | -10.5% | Long-term NASDAQ Exposure |
SQQQ Technical Analysis
Real-time buy/sell signals.
SQQQ — Risks & Considerations
Compounding Losses
Because leverage is reset daily, losses can compound much faster than 3x the benchmark return over multiple days.
Volatility Erosion
In a market that moves up and down but goes nowhere (sideways), SQQQ will lose value due to the math of leveraged rebalancing.
Unlimited Upside Risk
If the NASDAQ-100 enters a strong bull run, SQQQ can lose nearly all of its value in a very short amount of time.
Derivative Counterparty Risk
The fund uses swap agreements with banks; if these financial institutions fail, the fund could face significant issues.