PST vs SPY
ProShares UltraShort 7-10 Year Treasury 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PST | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $10M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.47% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.51% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.27% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.42% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PST vs SPY Performance
ProShares UltraShort 7-10 Year Treasury (PST) 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 PST returned +6.51% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, PST is up 7.47% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, PST compounded at +3.27% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.42% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -5.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.3% for PST. 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 -79.8% for PST 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PST 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, PST currently yields 2.89% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PST 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, PST or SPY?
PST 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, PST or SPY?
Over the past year PST returned +6.51% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), PST annualized -5.22% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PST or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.3% for PST. Worst drawdown: PST -79.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PST and SPY?
PST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PST and SPY?
PST and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PST or SPY?
PST yields 2.89% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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