PEX vs. SSO

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PEX (ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF) and SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - PEX is a Financials Equities fund tracking the LPX Direct Listed Private Equity Index, while SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PEX returned 4.92%/yr vs 23.26%/yr for SSO. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PEX charges 3.13%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for SSO.

Performance

PEX vs. SSO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) 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, PEX achieves a -7.84% return, which is significantly lower than SSO's 17.80% return. Over the past 10 years, PEX has underperformed SSO with an annualized return of 4.92%, while SSO has yielded a comparatively higher 23.26% annualized return.

PEX

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 3.24%
• 6M: -10.07%
• YTD: -7.84%
• 1Y: -14.95%
• 3Y*: 4.15%
• 5Y*: 0.32%
• 10Y*: 4.92%

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)

PEX vs. SSO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PEX ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF	-7.84%	0.21%	13.05%	23.11%	-25.98%	28.34%	-1.14%	25.53%	-13.31%	14.33%
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	17.80%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-38.98%	60.57%	21.54%	63.45%	-14.60%	44.35%

Correlation

The correlation between PEX and SSO is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2013	0.60

The correlation between PEX and SSO shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (all time) to 0.70 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PEX vs. SSO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PEX	SSO
Financial Services	96.7%	24.5%
Industrials	1.6%	5.5%
Healthcare	1.4%	6.3%
Basic Materials	0.3%	1.3%
Communication Services	-	6.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.2%
Energy	-	1.5%
Real Estate	-	1.3%
Technology	-	25.9%
Utilities	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

PEX vs. SSO — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEX

PEX Risk / Return Rank: 3
PEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
PEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
PEX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
PEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
PEX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

PEX vs. SSO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) 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.

	PEX	SSO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.94	1.52	-2.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.25	2.05	-3.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.27	-0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	2.09	-2.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.07	8.58	-9.66

PEX vs. SSO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEX Sharpe Ratio is -0.94, which is lower than the SSO Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEX 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

PEX vs. SSO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEX drawdown since its inception was -49.17%, smaller than the maximum SSO drawdown of -84.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEX and SSO.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEX	SSO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.17%	-84.67%	+35.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.72%	-18.17%	-6.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.72%	-35.21%	+10.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.58%	-46.73%	+10.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.17%	-59.34%	+10.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.70%	-2.70%	-14.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.31%	-19.48%	+11.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.93%	4.41%	+9.52%

Volatility

PEX vs. SSO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) is 3.97%, while ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) has a volatility of 6.83%. This indicates that PEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SSO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEX	SSO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	6.83%	-2.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.62%	19.92%	-6.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.97%	25.02%	-9.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.01%	33.87%	-15.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.25%	35.86%	-16.61%

PEX vs. SSO - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEX has a 3.13% expense ratio, which is higher than SSO's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEX vs. SSO - Dividend Comparison

PEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.61%, more than SSO's 0.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PEX ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF	8.61%	12.80%	14.11%	13.02%	1.77%	13.64%	5.52%	7.94%	4.72%	24.26%	3.24%	12.50%
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 PEX and SSO in my portfolio?

PEX and SSO have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PEX or SSO?

SSO has higher volatility (6.83%) compared to PEX (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEX dropped -49.17% vs SSO's -84.67%.

Which ETF is better, PEX or SSO?

On 10-year performance, SSO leads with 23.26% vs 4.92% for PEX. On fees, SSO is cheaper at 0.87% per year. On volatility, PEX has been the lower-risk option at 3.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PEX or SSO?

Over the 10-year period, SSO has performed better with a 23.26% return vs 4.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PEX or SSO?

SSO is cheaper with a 0.87% expense ratio, compared with 3.13% for PEX.

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

PEX has the higher dividend yield at 8.61%, compared with 0.67% for SSO.

What is the main difference between PEX and SSO?

PEX is categorized as Financials Equities, while SSO is Leveraged Equities. PEX tracks LPX Direct Listed Private Equity Index, while SSO tracks S&P 500. Their fees differ too: 3.13% for PEX and 0.87% for SSO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs -0.94), 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.