
ProShares Celebrates 15 Years of TQQQ, the World’s Largest Leveraged ETF
ProShares, a leading provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), marks a significant milestone as it commemorates the 15th anniversary of the ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ). Since its inception on February 9, 2010, TQQQ has grown into the largest leveraged ETF in the world, a testament to its sustained popularity and strong performance. Today, Managing Director George Foster, alongside clients, partners, and ProShares staff, will celebrate this achievement at the Nasdaq closing bell ceremony in New York City.
Michael L. Sapir, CEO of ProShares, expressed his enthusiasm for the ETF’s remarkable journey, stating, “For 15 years, TQQQ has stood apart as the first and only ETF delivering magnified 3x daily exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index. As the world’s largest provider of leveraged and inverse ETFs, we take great pride in TQQQ’s performance, longevity, and track record of meeting its investment objective in service to shareholders.”
TQQQ is specifically designed to seek investment results that correspond to three times the daily performance of the Nasdaq-100 Index. Given the Nasdaq-100’s emphasis on technology and innovation-driven companies, TQQQ has allowed investors to access amplified exposure to some of the most dynamic and fast-growing businesses in the market. By leveraging this index, investors can optimize their exposure with a reduced capital requirement, making it a compelling option for those looking to take advantage of market upswings.
The Growth of TQQQ: A Reflection of Technological Innovation
Over the past decade and a half, TQQQ has seen exponential growth, paralleling the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing dominance of the Nasdaq-100 Index. Companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia have played a pivotal role in driving market gains, and TQQQ has provided investors with a vehicle to capitalize on these movements in an amplified manner.
TQQQ currently boasts over $25 billion in assets under management (AUM), solidifying its position as the world’s largest leveraged ETF. In addition to its sheer size, the fund has also become one of the most actively traded ETFs in the U.S., ranking among the top five most-traded ETFs last year. The fund’s popularity is a testament to its effectiveness in meeting investor demands for leveraged exposure to the high-growth technology sector.
One of the most impressive aspects of TQQQ’s history is its long-term performance record. Since its launch, TQQQ has outperformed virtually all other mutual funds and ETFs in the U.S., further cementing its status as a premier investment product in the leveraged ETF space.
The Role of Nasdaq in TQQQ’s Success
The success of TQQQ would not be possible without the deep-rooted partnership between ProShares and Nasdaq. Emily Spurling, SVP & Global Head of Indexes at Nasdaq, highlighted the significance of this relationship, stating, “We are immensely proud of Nasdaq’s longstanding partnership with ProShares. The success of TQQQ and ProShares’ broader lineup of Nasdaq-listed and Nasdaq-indexed ETFs reflects our shared commitment to innovation for the benefit of investors.”
Nasdaq has been at the forefront of financial market innovation for decades, providing the underlying framework that supports the growth of ETFs such as TQQQ. The Nasdaq-100 Index, which TQQQ tracks, has become one of the most influential benchmarks for the technology sector and beyond. By enabling investors to gain leveraged exposure to this index, ProShares has created a product that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s market participants.
The Mechanics and Appeal of TQQQ
TQQQ is designed for investors who seek amplified exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index. The ETF uses financial derivatives and other instruments to achieve three times the daily returns of the underlying index. However, it is important to note that due to the compounding nature of daily returns, the fund’s performance over longer periods can deviate from exactly three times the index’s cumulative return.

Investors turn to TQQQ for a variety of reasons, including:
- Leveraged Exposure – TQQQ allows investors to gain a higher level of exposure to the Nasdaq-100 without committing as much capital as they would with traditional investing.
- Short-Term Trading – Many traders use TQQQ as a tool to capitalize on short-term market movements, given its daily reset and amplified returns.
- Hedging Strategies – Some investors utilize TQQQ as part of a broader portfolio strategy, balancing their investments with other assets to hedge against potential risks.
- Bullish Market Sentiment – Those who have a strong conviction in the growth of the technology sector and the Nasdaq-100 index often use TQQQ to maximize their potential gains.
Risks and Considerations for Investors
While TQQQ offers significant upside potential, it is not without risks. The nature of leveraged ETFs means they are best suited for experienced traders and investors who understand the implications of daily compounding. Market volatility can have an outsized impact on leveraged ETFs, and prolonged downturns can lead to substantial losses. Furthermore, due to its daily reset, TQQQ is not typically recommended for long-term buy-and-hold investors.
Investors considering TQQQ should conduct thorough research and ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of how leveraged ETFs function. ProShares provides standardized performance data and month-end performance statistics, which investors can access to make informed decisions.
ProShares’ Commitment to Innovation
Beyond TQQQ, ProShares offers a suite of ETFs designed to provide investors with a range of options tied to the Nasdaq-100 Index. These funds cater to both bullish and bearish investors, allowing for diverse investment strategies that align with different market outlooks.
ProShares has built its reputation as a pioneer in the ETF industry by continually developing products that meet the evolving needs of investors. Its lineup of leveraged and inverse ETFs reflects the firm’s commitment to innovation, ensuring that market participants have access to sophisticated tools for managing their investment portfolios.
The Future of TQQQ and Leveraged ETFs
As ProShares celebrates this significant milestone, the firm remains focused on the future. The role of leveraged ETFs in financial markets is likely to continue growing as more investors seek dynamic investment options. TQQQ’s success underscores the increasing demand for financial products that provide targeted exposure to high-growth sectors.
With the continued expansion of technology and innovation-driven industries, the Nasdaq-100 Index is expected to remain a focal point for investors. TQQQ, as the premier leveraged ETF tracking this index, is well-positioned to maintain its relevance in the years ahead.