SPY vs UPW
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs ProShares Ultra Utilities
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | UPW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $18M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.41% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 37 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | -0.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | -0.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +18.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +7.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 29.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -79.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 30, 2007 |
SPY vs UPW Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ProShares Ultra Utilities (UPW) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while UPW returned -0.06%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a loss of 0.04% for UPW.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +18.58% for UPW; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and +7.40% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.8% 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 -79.5% for UPW. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UPW 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 1.41% for UPW.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UPW share 31 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UPW?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UPW 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 UPW?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs -0.06% for UPW, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +7.48% for UPW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UPW?
UPW has been the more volatile fund at 29.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UPW -79.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and UPW?
SPY and UPW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UPW?
SPY and UPW share 31 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UPW?
SPY yields 1.01% while UPW yields 1.41%, so UPW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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