SPY vs UCYB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. UCYB delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | UCYB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $7M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.58% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +85.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +77.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +50.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +17.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 48.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -62.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 19, 2021 |
SPY vs UCYB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF (UCYB) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while UCYB returned +77.99%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 85.20% for UCYB.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +50.95% for UCYB; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +17.99% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, UCYB has the edge at +17.85% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UCYB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.0% 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 -62.9% for UCYB. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UCYB 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 1.58% for UCYB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UCYB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UCYB 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 UCYB?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +77.99% for UCYB, so UCYB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +17.85% for UCYB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UCYB?
UCYB has been the more volatile fund at 48.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UCYB -62.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and UCYB?
SPY and UCYB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UCYB?
SPY yields 1.01% while UCYB yields 1.58%, so UCYB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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