SPY vs UBR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs ProShares Ultra MSCI Brazil Capped
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. UBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | UBR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +5.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +46.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +6.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +0.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 62.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -97.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 27, 2010 |
SPY vs UBR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ProShares Ultra MSCI Brazil Capped (UBR) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while UBR returned +46.87%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 5.71% for UBR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +6.67% for UBR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +0.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -14.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 62.3% 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 -97.2% for UBR. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UBR charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $95 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.56% for UBR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UBR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UBR charges 0.95%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or UBR?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +46.87% for UBR, so UBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs -14.38% for UBR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UBR?
UBR has been the more volatile fund at 62.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UBR -97.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and UBR?
SPY and UBR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UBR?
SPY yields 1.01% while UBR yields 1.56%, so UBR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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