CTEX vs. SSO

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

CTEX (ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF) and SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - CTEX is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Cleantech Index, while SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CTEX returned 1.55%/yr vs 32.35%/yr for SSO. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CTEX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for SSO.

Performance

CTEX vs. SSO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) and ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTEX achieves a 1.97% return, which is significantly lower than SSO's 17.80% return.

CTEX

• 1D: -5.55%
• 1M: -15.90%
• 6M: -8.82%
• YTD: 1.97%
• 1Y: 59.46%
• 3Y*: 1.55%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SSO

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: 0.06%
• 6M: 14.60%
• YTD: 17.80%
• 1Y: 37.75%
• 3Y*: 32.35%
• 5Y*: 18.24%
• 10Y*: 23.26%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CTEX vs. SSO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CTEX ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF	1.97%	67.74%	-20.38%	-10.25%	-20.38%	-6.68%
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	17.80%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-38.98%	19.25%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEX and SSO is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	0.61

The correlation between CTEX and SSO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

CTEX vs. SSO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CTEX	SSO
Industrials	43.3%	5.5%
Energy	37.5%	1.5%
Utilities	13.0%	1.9%
Technology	3.1%	25.9%
Consumer Cyclical	2.7%	6.5%
Basic Materials	-	1.3%
Communication Services	-	6.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.2%
Financial Services	-	24.5%
Healthcare	-	6.3%
Real Estate	-	1.3%

Return for Risk

CTEX vs. SSO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CTEX

CTEX Risk / Return Rank: 45
CTEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
CTEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
CTEX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
CTEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
CTEX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

SSO

SSO Risk / Return Rank: 54
SSO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SSO Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SSO Omega Ratio Rank: 52
SSO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
SSO Martin Ratio Rank: 61

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CTEX vs. SSO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) and ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CTEX	SSO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.52	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.83	2.05	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.27	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.98	2.09	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.80	8.58	-2.79

CTEX vs. SSO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is comparable to the SSO Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTEX and SSO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CTEX vs. SSO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTEX drawdown since its inception was -70.31%, smaller than the maximum SSO drawdown of -84.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEX and SSO.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTEX	SSO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.31%	-84.67%	+14.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.12%	-18.17%	-11.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.62%	-35.21%	-21.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.73%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-59.34%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.12%	-2.70%	-27.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.35%	-19.48%	-21.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.29%	4.41%	+5.88%

Volatility

CTEX vs. SSO - Volatility Comparison

ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) has a higher volatility of 15.88% compared to ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) at 6.83%. This indicates that CTEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SSO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTEX	SSO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.88%	6.83%	+9.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.05%	19.92%	+14.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	45.56%	25.02%	+20.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.74%	33.87%	+9.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.74%	35.86%	+7.88%

CTEX vs. SSO - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTEX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than SSO's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTEX vs. SSO - Dividend Comparison

CTEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, more than SSO's 0.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTEX ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF	2.05%	2.17%	0.57%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	0.67%	0.68%	0.85%	0.18%	0.50%	0.18%	0.20%	0.50%	0.75%	0.39%	0.51%	0.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTEX and SSO in my portfolio?

CTEX and SSO have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CTEX or SSO?

CTEX has higher volatility (15.88%) compared to SSO (6.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTEX dropped -70.31% vs SSO's -84.67%.

Which ETF is better, CTEX or SSO?

On 3-year performance, SSO leads with 32.35% vs 1.55% for CTEX. On fees, CTEX is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, SSO has been the lower-risk option at 6.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTEX or SSO?

Over the 3-year period, SSO has performed better with a 32.35% return vs 1.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTEX or SSO?

CTEX is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CTEX or SSO?

CTEX has the higher dividend yield at 2.05%, compared with 0.67% for SSO.

What is the main difference between CTEX and SSO?

CTEX is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while SSO is Leveraged Equities. CTEX tracks S&P Kensho Cleantech Index, while SSO tracks S&P 500. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for CTEX and 0.87% for SSO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.31), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.