SPY vs. UFO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) and UFO (Procure Space ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while UFO is a Global Equities fund tracking the S-Network Space Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SPY returned 13.36%/yr vs 13.50%/yr for UFO. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPY charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for UFO.

Performance

SPY vs. UFO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and Procure Space ETF (UFO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPY achieves a 9.07% return, which is significantly lower than UFO's 36.92% return.

SPY

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 9.07%
• 6M: 9.42%
• 1Y: 25.67%
• 3Y*: 20.86%
• 5Y*: 13.36%
• 10Y*: 15.42%

UFO

• 1D: -6.99%
• 1M: -8.71%
• YTD: 36.92%
• 6M: 37.68%
• 1Y: 105.58%
• 3Y*: 41.51%
• 5Y*: 13.50%
• 10Y*: —

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

SPY vs. UFO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	9.07%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	13.26%
UFO Procure Space ETF	36.92%	67.36%	27.22%	-2.34%	-25.85%	7.17%	-2.15%	5.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SPY and UFO is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 11, 2019	0.67

The correlation between SPY and UFO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPY vs. UFO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPY	UFO
Technology	35.9%	22.0%
Financial Services	11.8%	-
Communication Services	11.3%	30.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	-
Healthcare	8.4%	-
Industrials	7.8%	47.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Energy	3.6%	-
Utilities	2.4%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

SPY vs. UFO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 70
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 76

UFO

UFO Risk / Return Rank: 83
UFO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
UFO Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
UFO Omega Ratio Rank: 73
UFO Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
UFO Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

SPY vs. UFO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and Procure Space ETF (UFO). 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.

	SPY	UFO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	2.58	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	3.06	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.37	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	4.58	-1.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.39	14.05	-1.66

SPY vs. UFO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPY Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the UFO Sharpe Ratio of 2.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPY and UFO, 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

SPY vs. UFO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPY drawdown since its inception was -55.19%, which is greater than UFO's maximum drawdown of -50.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPY and UFO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPY	UFO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.19%	-50.33%	-4.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-22.94%	+14.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-25.91%	+7.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.50%	-50.33%	+25.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.35%	-21.95%	+19.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.04%	-21.80%	+12.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	7.46%	-5.49%

Volatility

SPY vs. UFO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is 4.34%, while Procure Space ETF (UFO) has a volatility of 20.43%. This indicates that SPY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UFO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPY	UFO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	20.43%	-16.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.58%	34.11%	-24.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.29%	40.69%	-28.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	30.59%	-13.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.96%	31.16%	-13.20%

SPY vs. UFO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPY has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than UFO's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPY vs. UFO - Dividend Comparison

SPY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, more than UFO's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.00%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%
UFO Procure Space ETF	0.31%	0.46%	1.98%	1.90%	3.19%	1.00%	1.07%	0.45%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPY and UFO in my portfolio?

SPY and UFO have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPY or UFO?

UFO has higher volatility (20.43%) compared to SPY (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPY dropped -55.19% vs UFO's -50.33%.

Which ETF is better, SPY or UFO?

On 5-year performance, UFO leads with 13.50% vs 13.36% for SPY. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPY or UFO?

Over the 5-year period, UFO has performed better with a 13.50% return vs 13.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPY or UFO?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for UFO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPY or UFO?

SPY has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.31% for UFO.

What is the main difference between SPY and UFO?

SPY is categorized as S&P 500, while UFO is Global Equities. SPY tracks S&P 500 Index, while UFO tracks S-Network Space Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and ProcureAM. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for SPY and 0.75% for UFO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UFO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.58 vs 1.98), 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.