iShares Russell 2000 ETF vs ProShares Ultra QQQ ETF — how do they compare? iShares Russell 2000 ETF trades at $296.26, while ProShares Ultra QQQ ETF trades at $89.09. The key difference: iShares Russell 2000 ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, ProShares Ultra QQQ ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| IWM | QLD | |
|---|---|---|
52-Week High | $300.45 | $100.53 |
52-Week Low | $214.95 | $57.16 |
Sector | — | Leveraged / Inverse |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
IWM, the iShares Russell 2000 ETF, trades at $292.34, down 0.6% on the day. Technical indicators are mixed with a neutral overall signal, while moving averages show a bullish bias. The ETF has seen strong institutional inflows, with firms like AIA Group and Allspring Global Investments increasing their holdings significantly in Q1 2026 (SEC 13F filings, July 2026). Small-cap stocks have outperformed large-caps year-to-date, with the Russell 2000 up approximately 20% in 2026 (24/7 Wall Street, July 17, 2026).
The outlook for IWM hinges on continued small-cap strength, which is sensitive to interest rates and economic growth. While recent performance is robust, risks include higher volatility versus large-caps and potential Fed policy shifts. Analyst sentiment is divided, with some highlighting valuation concerns versus broader market ETFs.
QLD, the ProShares Ultra QQQ ETF, trades at $86.06, up 0.17% on the day. The technical outlook is bearish, with moving averages signaling a downtrend and key support at $85. Recent articles highlight its long-term performance, with over 10,000% total return since inception, but caution its leveraged structure amplifies risks, evidenced by a historical maximum drawdown exceeding 63%.
The outlook for QLD is heavily tied to the performance of the Nasdaq-100 index. While leveraged exposure offers potential for amplified gains during tech rallies, the daily reset mechanism poses significant volatility and decay risks in choppy markets. Investor focus remains on upcoming tech earnings and broader market trends for directional cues.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
The ETF is designed to track the performance of the securities and the stocks in the Russell 2000 Index. To maintain the composition and weightings, the advisor adjusts the ETF from time to time to conform to periodic changes in the index target.
Read more on IWM →QLD is a leveraged ETF that seeks daily investment results corresponding to 200% of the daily performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index. It achieves 2x leverage by investing in financial instruments such as swaps and is designed as a tactical trading tool for investors with a bullish (long) view on the NASDAQ-100. Due to the effects of compounding and leverage, the ETF is intended to be held for a single day and is not suitable for long-term investment.
Read more on QLD →