ROM vs SPY
ProShares Ultra Technology vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ROM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +56.97% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.74% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +52.15% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.50% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ROM vs SPY Performance
ProShares Ultra Technology (ROM) 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 ROM returned +81.74% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, ROM is up 56.97% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ROM compounded at +52.15% per year against +21.83% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +21.50% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ROM has the edge at +24.09% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.9% 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 -83.8% for ROM 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROM 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, ROM currently yields 0.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ROM and SPY share 74 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROM or SPY?
ROM 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, ROM or SPY?
Over the past year ROM returned +81.74% vs +20.57% for SPY, so ROM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ROM annualized +24.09% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROM or SPY?
ROM has been the more volatile fund at 41.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ROM -83.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ROM and SPY?
ROM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROM and SPY?
ROM and SPY share 74 common holdings with a 36.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROM or SPY?
ROM yields 0.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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