SPYD vs. SSO

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SPYD (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF) and SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - SPYD is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 High Dividend Index, while SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPYD returned 9.09%/yr vs 24.02%/yr for SSO. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPYD charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.87%/yr for SSO.

Performance

SPYD vs. SSO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) 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 investments are quite close, with SPYD having a 14.73% return and SSO slightly higher at 15.08%. Over the past 10 years, SPYD has underperformed SSO with an annualized return of 9.09%, while SSO has yielded a comparatively higher 24.02% annualized return.

SPYD

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: 5.32%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 14.21%
• 1Y: 20.93%
• 3Y*: 14.69%
• 5Y*: 7.64%
• 10Y*: 9.09%

SSO

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: -2.33%
• YTD: 15.08%
• 6M: 15.47%
• 1Y: 47.12%
• 3Y*: 34.18%
• 5Y*: 18.57%
• 10Y*: 24.02%

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

SPYD vs. SSO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	14.73%	4.65%	15.34%	3.91%	-1.17%	32.73%	-11.64%	21.20%	-4.89%	12.67%
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	15.08%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-38.98%	60.57%	21.54%	63.45%	-14.60%	44.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SPYD and SSO is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2015	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between SPYD and SSO has dropped to 0.35 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SPYD vs. SSO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPYD	SSO
Real Estate	26.5%	1.3%
Consumer Defensive	16.0%	3.2%
Financial Services	11.9%	24.1%
Utilities	11.2%	1.7%
Energy	8.5%	2.3%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	6.4%
Healthcare	5.3%	5.9%
Communication Services	4.8%	7.0%
Technology	3.2%	25.7%
Basic Materials	3.0%	1.2%
Industrials	2.3%	5.3%

Return for Risk

SPYD vs. SSO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPYD

SPYD Risk / Return Rank: 58
SPYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
SPYD Omega Ratio Rank: 52
SPYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SPYD Martin Ratio Rank: 54

SSO

SSO Risk / Return Rank: 59
SSO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SSO Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
SSO Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SSO Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SSO Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

SPYD vs. SSO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) 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.

	SPYD	SSO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.79	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.53	2.33	+0.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.31	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.80	2.42	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.14	10.37	-2.22

SPYD vs. SSO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPYD Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the SSO Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPYD 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

SPYD vs. SSO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPYD drawdown since its inception was -46.42%, smaller than the maximum SSO drawdown of -84.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPYD and SSO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPYD	SSO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.42%	-84.67%	+38.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.05%	-18.17%	+11.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-35.21%	+19.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.25%	-46.73%	+24.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.42%	-59.34%	+12.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.94%	+4.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.15%	-19.55%	+13.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.42%	4.24%	-1.82%

Volatility

SPYD vs. SSO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) is 2.92%, while ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) has a volatility of 8.74%. This indicates that SPYD 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

	SPYD	SSO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.92%	8.74%	-5.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.74%	19.17%	-11.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.70%	24.54%	-12.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	33.78%	-17.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.78%	35.95%	-16.17%

SPYD vs. SSO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPYD has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than SSO's 0.87% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPYD vs. SSO - Dividend Comparison

SPYD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.05%, more than SSO's 0.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPYD State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF	4.05%	4.52%	4.31%	4.66%	5.01%	3.68%	4.95%	4.42%	4.75%	4.63%	4.34%	1.13%
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	0.64%	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 SPYD and SSO in my portfolio?

SPYD and SSO have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPYD or SSO?

SSO has higher volatility (8.74%) compared to SPYD (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPYD dropped -46.42% vs SSO's -84.67%.

Which ETF is better, SPYD or SSO?

On 10-year performance, SSO leads with 24.02% vs 9.09% for SPYD. On fees, SPYD is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, SPYD has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPYD or SSO?

Over the 10-year period, SSO has performed better with a 24.02% return vs 9.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPYD or SSO?

SPYD is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

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

SPYD has the higher dividend yield at 4.05%, compared with 0.64% for SSO.

What is the main difference between SPYD and SSO?

SPYD is categorized as S&P 500, while SSO is Leveraged Equities. SPYD tracks S&P 500 High Dividend Index, while SSO tracks S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: State Street and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for SPYD and 0.87% for SSO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 1.69), 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.