SPY vs SSO
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs ProShares Ultra S&P500
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SSO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SSO offers more diversification with 521 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SSO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.87% | |
| AUM | $814.4B | $8.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.67% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 521 | |
| YTD Return | +12.60% | +20.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +35.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | +34.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.56% | +16.60% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 31.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -85.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 19, 2006 |
SPY vs SSO Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while SSO returned +35.94%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.60% versus a gain of 20.86% for SSO.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +20.98% per year against +34.41% for SSO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.56% and +16.60% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SSO has the edge at +14.74% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.1% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -85.5% for SSO. 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SSO charges 0.87%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $87 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.67% for SSO.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SSO share 486 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 64.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SSO?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SSO charges 0.87%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SSO?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +35.94% for SSO, so SSO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +14.74% for SSO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SSO?
SSO has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SSO -85.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and SSO?
SPY and SSO have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SSO?
SPY and SSO share 486 common holdings with a 64.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SSO?
SPY yields 1.01% while SSO yields 0.67%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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