BOIL vs SPY
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOIL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $348M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -54.61% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | -67.27% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -69.95% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -69.88% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 93.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BOIL vs SPY Performance
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas (BOIL) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BOIL returned -67.27% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BOIL is down 54.61% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, BOIL compounded at -69.95% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -69.88% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -58.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BOIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 93.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 BOIL and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOIL charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOIL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BOIL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, BOIL or SPY?
BOIL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOIL or SPY?
Over the past year BOIL returned -67.27% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BOIL annualized -58.03% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOIL or SPY?
BOIL has been the more volatile fund at 93.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BOIL -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BOIL and SPY?
BOIL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOIL and SPY?
BOIL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOIL or SPY?
BOIL yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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