Compare Nasdaq & S&P 500 ETF returns (QLD, SSO, SCHD, JEPI) in Feb 2026. Analysis of leverage vs. income.
Introduction: The Dynamics of the Day 11 Market Rally
Welcome to JSCC2020. Following the volatility of early February, the market delivered a resounding “V-shaped” recovery on February 6, 2026. The Nasdaq Composite surged +2.18%, reclaiming the psychological 23,000 level, while the S&P 500 rose +1.97%, edging closer to the historic 7,000 milestone.
For international investors navigating the “Tomato System,” today provided a masterclass in why we diversify across three distinct pillars: Aggressive Leverage, Passive Index, and Defensive Income (Covered Calls). This 2,000-character deep-dive will break down the mechanics behind today’s profit recovery and how the “Cash Shield” protects your principal.
📱 Notice: For the best viewing experience, please view the tables in landscape mode on your smartphone.
🌐 Market Pulse: 3 Critical Drivers for February 2026
- Dow Jones Industrial Average Breakthrough: The Dow hit a historic high of 50,115.67 (+2.47%). This rally was spearheaded by strong Q4 earnings from blue-chip industrial and financial sectors, indicating a healthy rotation into value stocks. (Source: Bloomberg / CNBC)
- AI Infrastructure Spending Optimism: Despite recent Capex concerns from Alphabet and Amazon, fresh data suggests AI integration is finally improving enterprise productivity margins. This triggered a massive short-covering rally in the tech-heavy Nasdaq. (Source: Reuters / Wall Street Journal)
- Monetary Policy Stability: Fed Chair signals suggest a “higher-for-longer” stance but without further tightening. This neutral environment stabilized the 10-year Treasury yield, providing a solid foundation for growth assets. (Source: J.P. Morgan / Investing.com)
📊 Comprehensive Performance Report (Feb 6, 2026)
1. [Group: Nasdaq 100] Tech & Growth Focus
| Ticker | ETF Name | Strategy | Daily Chg | My Return (P/L) |
| QLD | ProShares Ultra QQQ | 2x Leverage | +4.16% | -4.38% |
| QQQM | Invesco Nasdaq 100 | Index | +2.11% | -2.03% |
| GPIQ | GS Nasdaq 100 Core Premium | Covered Call | +2.02% | -2.25% |
| JEPQ | JPMorgan Nasdaq Premium | Covered Call | +1.97% | -1.80% |
| QQQI | NEOS Nasdaq 100 High Inc | Covered Call | +1.98% | -2.37% |
| 494300 | KODEX US Nasdaq100 Daily | Covered Call | -0.96%* | -4.06% |
2. [Group: S&P 500] Market Core & Broad Exposure
| Ticker | ETF Name | Strategy | Daily Chg | My Return (P/L) |
| SSO | ProShares Ultra S&P 500 | 2x Leverage | +3.85% | -1.45% |
| SPYM | SPDR S&P 500 Portfolio | Index | +1.96% | -0.47% |
| GPIX | GS S&P 500 Core Premium | Covered Call | +1.77% | -1.25% |
| JEPI | JPMorgan Equity Premium | Covered Call | +1.49% | +0.87% |
3. [Group: Others] Dividends, Bonds & Active
| Ticker | ETF Name | Strategy | Daily Chg | My Return (P/L) |
| SCHD | Schwab US Dividend Equity | Div. Growth | +1.61% | +7.65% |
| 418660 | TIGER US Nasdaq 100 Lev | 2x Leverage | -3.48%* | -8.15% |
| 473460 | KODEX US Stock Ant | Active | -3.32%* | -11.03% |
| 473330 | SOL US 30Yr Treasury | Covered Call | +1.09%* | -0.96% |
| 490600 | RISE US Div 100 Daily | Covered Call | +0.05%* | +1.88% |
*Note: K-ETFs reflect the previous day’s close. Expect a significant Gap-up at the Korean market open.
🔍 Strategy Deep-Dive: Why This Balance Works
1. The Recovery Engine: 2x Leverage Efficiency
Today’s performance highlights the utility of QLD (+4.16%) and SSO (+3.85%). When the underlying index rises by ~2%, these instruments double that gain, allowing for rapid Net Asset Value (NAV) recovery. This “volatility harvesting” is crucial for investors who maintained their positions during the January dips. Without leverage, your recovery speed is halved, missing out on the exponential bounce-back of the tech sector.
2. The Income Shield: Dividend Growth & Premiums
SCHD remains our primary defensive anchor with a total return of +7.65%. Its decoupling from tech-sector volatility provides the stability needed to hold higher-risk assets. Simultaneously, covered call ETFs like JEPI and JEPQ generate monthly “rent” (dividends). Currently, our account shows 8 dividend payments totaling 2,495 KRW for February alone. This cash flow allows for “Buy the Dip” opportunities without selling existing shares at a loss.
3. The K-ETF Opportunity (Arbitrage Alert)
International investors should pay close attention to the Korean Market Open. Domestic ETFs like TIGER US Nasdaq 100 Lev (418660) are currently showing a technical decline of -3.48% from yesterday’s session. However, following the US market’s +4% rally in QLD, these K-ETFs are primed for a massive “Gap-up” surge at 9:00 AM KST. This time-zone lag often creates a psychological “false red” that clever investors use to their advantage.
❓ FAQ for Global Investors
- Q: Why is my QLD still down -4.38% despite today’s +4.16% gain?
- A: This is due to “Volatility Decay.” Leverage ETFs require a larger percentage gain to recover from a percentage loss (e.g., a 10% drop requires an 11.1% gain to break even).
- Q: Is it wise to hold both QQQM and JEPQ?
- A: Yes. QQQM captures maximum capital appreciation, while JEPQ provides high monthly income with lower volatility. This balance is the core of the Tomato System.
- Q: What determines the “Daily Change” in my Korean ETFs?
- A: It reflects the change from 09:00 to 15:30 KST. Since the US market opens later, the massive US gains you see tonight will only be reflected in the Korean market tomorrow morning.