SMDV vs. SSO

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SMDV (ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF) and SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - SMDV is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index, while SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMDV returned 7.27%/yr vs 23.27%/yr for SSO. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SMDV charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for SSO.

Performance

SMDV vs. SSO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) and ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with SMDV having a 17.34% return and SSO slightly lower at 17.32%. Over the past 10 years, SMDV has underperformed SSO with an annualized return of 7.27%, while SSO has yielded a comparatively higher 23.27% annualized return.

SMDV

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 2.67%
• 6M: 13.08%
• YTD: 17.34%
• 1Y: 17.36%
• 3Y*: 11.77%
• 5Y*: 7.01%
• 10Y*: 7.27%

SSO

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: 1.94%
• 6M: 13.10%
• YTD: 17.32%
• 1Y: 37.37%
• 3Y*: 32.47%
• 5Y*: 17.61%
• 10Y*: 23.27%

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

SMDV vs. SSO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	17.34%	0.26%	7.03%	8.99%	-5.90%	18.98%	-4.74%	17.23%	-0.58%	4.63%
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	17.32%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-38.98%	60.57%	21.54%	63.45%	-14.60%	44.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SMDV and SSO is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2015	0.63

Over the past year, the correlation between SMDV and SSO has dropped to 0.42 - well below their long-term average of 0.63, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SMDV vs. SSO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SMDV	SSO
Financial Services	32.8%	24.5%
Industrials	21.9%	5.5%
Utilities	15.7%	1.9%
Basic Materials	8.3%	1.3%
Real Estate	7.5%	1.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	6.5%
Technology	2.5%	25.9%
Healthcare	1.6%	6.3%
Communication Services	1.1%	6.8%
Energy	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

SMDV vs. SSO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMDV

SMDV Risk / Return Rank: 42
SMDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SMDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SMDV Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SMDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SMDV Martin Ratio Rank: 43

SSO

SSO Risk / Return Rank: 54
SSO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
SSO Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SSO Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SSO Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
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.

SMDV vs. SSO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) 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.

	SMDV	SSO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.50	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.03	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.27	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.07	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.50	8.51	-3.01

SMDV vs. SSO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the SSO Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMDV 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

SMDV vs. SSO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMDV drawdown since its inception was -34.12%, smaller than the maximum SSO drawdown of -84.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMDV and SSO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMDV	SSO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.12%	-84.67%	+50.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.79%	-18.17%	+8.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.23%	-35.21%	+13.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.23%	-46.73%	+25.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.12%	-59.34%	+25.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.24%	-3.10%	+1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.89%	-19.49%	+13.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	4.40%	-1.23%

Volatility

SMDV vs. SSO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is 3.78%, while ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) has a volatility of 8.22%. This indicates that SMDV 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

	SMDV	SSO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.78%	8.22%	-4.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.51%	19.91%	-9.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.39%	25.05%	-9.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.57%	33.87%	-15.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.72%	35.88%	-15.16%

SMDV vs. SSO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMDV has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than SSO's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMDV vs. SSO - Dividend Comparison

SMDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.30%, more than SSO's 0.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMDV ProShares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF	2.30%	2.67%	2.68%	2.69%	2.51%	2.02%	2.13%	2.03%	1.97%	1.84%	1.35%	1.81%
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 SMDV and SSO in my portfolio?

SMDV and SSO have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMDV or SSO?

SSO has higher volatility (8.22%) compared to SMDV (3.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMDV dropped -34.12% vs SSO's -84.67%.

Which ETF is better, SMDV or SSO?

On 10-year performance, SSO leads with 23.27% vs 7.27% for SMDV. On fees, SMDV is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, SMDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMDV or SSO?

Over the 10-year period, SSO has performed better with a 23.27% return vs 7.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMDV or SSO?

SMDV is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

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

SMDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 0.67% for SSO.

What is the main difference between SMDV and SSO?

SMDV is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SSO is Leveraged Equities. SMDV tracks Russell 2000 Dividend Growth Index, while SSO tracks S&P 500. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for SMDV and 0.87% for SSO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.13), 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.