RXD vs SPY
ProShares UltraShort Health Care 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 | RXD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.29% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -19.40% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -36.96% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -13.94% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.81% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RXD vs SPY Performance
ProShares UltraShort Health Care (RXD) 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 RXD returned -36.96% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, RXD is down 19.40% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, RXD compounded at -13.94% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -8.81% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -24.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RXD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.5% 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 -99.8% for RXD 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 -0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RXD 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, RXD currently yields 3.29% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RXD or SPY?
RXD 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, RXD or SPY?
Over the past year RXD returned -36.96% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RXD annualized -24.96% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RXD or SPY?
RXD has been the more volatile fund at 29.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RXD -99.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RXD and SPY?
RXD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, RXD or SPY?
RXD yields 3.29% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RXD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.