SKYU vs SPY
ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SKYU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SKYU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.74% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +40.93% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.21% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +43.33% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.51% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SKYU vs SPY Performance
ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cloud Computing ETF (SKYU) 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 SKYU returned +56.21% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SKYU is up 40.93% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SKYU compounded at +43.33% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.51% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +3.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SKYU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.4% 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 -83.0% for SKYU 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SKYU 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, SKYU currently yields 0.74% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SKYU and SPY share 22 holdings out of 545 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SKYU or SPY?
SKYU 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, SKYU or SPY?
Over the past year SKYU returned +56.21% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SKYU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SKYU annualized +3.74% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SKYU or SPY?
SKYU has been the more volatile fund at 52.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SKYU -83.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SKYU and SPY?
SKYU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SKYU and SPY?
SKYU and SPY share 22 common holdings with a 11.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SKYU or SPY?
SKYU yields 0.74% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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