SPY vs URSP
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs ProShares Ultra S&P 500 Equal Weight
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. URSP delivered stronger 1-year returns. URSP offers more diversification with 507 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | URSP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $56M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.91% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 507 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +28.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +31.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 25, 2025 |
SPY vs URSP Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ProShares Ultra S&P 500 Equal Weight (URSP) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while URSP returned +31.86%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 28.23% for URSP.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URSP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -15.7% for URSP. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while URSP 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 0.91% for URSP.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and URSP share 493 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or URSP?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while URSP 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 URSP?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +31.86% for URSP, so URSP leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or URSP?
URSP has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs URSP -15.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and URSP?
SPY and URSP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and URSP?
SPY and URSP share 493 common holdings with a 24.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or URSP?
SPY yields 1.01% while URSP yields 0.91%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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