REW vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricREWSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.09%
AUM$4M$789.1B
Dividend Yield7.81%1.01%
Holdings9505
YTD Return-47.18%+13.79%
1Y Return-56.35%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-46.47%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-37.35%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)38.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-100.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyProSharesState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 30, 2007Jan 22, 1993

REW vs SPY Performance

ProShares UltraShort Technology (REW) 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 REW returned -56.35% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, REW is down 47.18% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, REW compounded at -46.47% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -37.35% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -37.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

REW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.4% 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 REW 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 -0.83. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

REW 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, REW currently yields 7.81% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, REW or SPY?

REW 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, REW or SPY?

Over the past year REW returned -56.35% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), REW annualized -37.87% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, REW or SPY?

REW has been the more volatile fund at 38.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: REW -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both REW and SPY?

REW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, REW or SPY?

REW yields 7.81% while SPY yields 1.01%, so REW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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