SSO vs VYM
ProShares Ultra S&P500 vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SSO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SSO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.87% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.67% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 521 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +20.86% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.94% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.41% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.60% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.1% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SSO vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SSO returned +35.94% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, SSO is up 20.86% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, SSO compounded at +34.41% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +16.60% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SSO has the edge at +14.74% annualized vs +7.00%. 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 14.5% for VYM. 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 -85.5% for SSO and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SSO charges 0.87% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $87 vs $4 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SSO currently yields 0.67% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SSO and VYM share 236 holdings out of 867 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SSO or VYM?
SSO has an expense ratio of 0.87% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SSO or VYM?
Over the past year SSO returned +35.94% vs +21.39% for VYM, so SSO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SSO annualized +14.74% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SSO or VYM?
SSO has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SSO -85.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SSO and VYM?
SSO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 SSO and VYM?
SSO and VYM share 236 common holdings with a 21.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 867 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SSO or VYM?
SSO yields 0.67% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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