SDD vs. PLTD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

SDD (ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600) and PLTD (Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares) are both Inverse Equities funds - SDD tracks the S&P Small Cap 600 (-200%) while PLTD tracks the Palantir Technologies Inc. (-100%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SDD returned -41.53% vs -26.03% for PLTD. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDD charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.98%/yr for PLTD.

Performance

SDD vs. PLTD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) and Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares (PLTD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDD achieves a -23.94% return, which is significantly lower than PLTD's 18.58% return.

SDD

• 1D: 3.63%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: -23.94%
• 6M: -22.77%
• 1Y: -41.53%
• 3Y*: -23.30%
• 5Y*: -14.95%
• 10Y*: -26.75%

PLTD

• 1D: 4.36%
• 1M: -3.73%
• YTD: 18.58%
• 6M: 20.84%
• 1Y: -26.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDD vs. PLTD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SDD ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600	-23.94%	-14.69%	14.95%
PLTD Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares	18.58%	-70.53%	-5.12%

Correlation

The correlation between SDD and PLTD is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2024	0.36

Return for Risk

SDD vs. PLTD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDD

SDD Risk / Return Rank: 1
SDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
SDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SDD Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
SDD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

PLTD

PLTD Risk / Return Rank: 5
PLTD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
PLTD Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
PLTD Omega Ratio Rank: 5
PLTD Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
PLTD Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

SDD vs. PLTD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) and Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares (PLTD). 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.

	SDD	PLTD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.15	-0.51	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.69	-0.49	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	0.95	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.95	-0.64	-0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.56	-1.01	-0.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SDD vs. PLTD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDD Sharpe Ratio is -1.15, which is lower than the PLTD Sharpe Ratio of -0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDD and PLTD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SDD	PLTD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-1.15	-0.51	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.35	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.59	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.59	-0.83	+0.25

Drawdowns

SDD vs. PLTD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDD drawdown since its inception was -99.93%, which is greater than PLTD's maximum drawdown of -77.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDD and PLTD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDD	PLTD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.93%	-77.34%	-22.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-43.74%	-41.04%	-2.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-65.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-67.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-96.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.93%	-69.63%	-30.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-86.92%	-59.49%	-27.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	26.68%	30.24%	-3.56%

Volatility

SDD vs. PLTD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) is 9.35%, while Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares (PLTD) has a volatility of 17.82%. This indicates that SDD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PLTD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDD	PLTD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.35%	17.82%	-8.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.32%	38.04%	-13.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.17%	51.92%	-15.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.23%	63.67%	-20.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	45.16%	63.67%	-18.51%

SDD vs. PLTD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDD has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than PLTD's 0.98% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDD vs. PLTD - Dividend Comparison

SDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.11%, more than PLTD's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PLTD Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X Shares	3.12%	5.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDD ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600	6.11%	5.07%	4.34%	3.84%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%	1.20%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDD and PLTD in my portfolio?

SDD and PLTD have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDD or PLTD?

PLTD has higher volatility (17.82%) compared to SDD (9.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDD dropped -99.93% vs PLTD's -77.34%.

Which ETF is better, SDD or PLTD?

On 1-year performance, PLTD leads with -26.03% vs -41.53% for SDD. On fees, SDD is cheaper at 0.95% per year. On volatility, SDD has been the lower-risk option at 9.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDD or PLTD?

Over the 1-year period, PLTD has performed better with a -26.03% return vs -41.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDD or PLTD?

SDD is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 0.98% for PLTD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDD or PLTD?

SDD has the higher dividend yield at 6.11%, compared with 3.12% for PLTD.

What is the main difference between SDD and PLTD?

SDD tracks S&P Small Cap 600 (-200%), while PLTD tracks Palantir Technologies Inc. (-100%). They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SDD and 0.98% for PLTD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PLTD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.51 vs -1.15), 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.