SSO vs. AVUS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) and AVUS (Avantis U.S. Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500, while AVUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. SSO is passively managed, while AVUS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, SSO returned 18.57%/yr vs 12.87%/yr for AVUS. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SSO charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for AVUS.

Performance

SSO vs. AVUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SSO achieves a 15.08% return, which is significantly higher than AVUS's 13.94% return.

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%

AVUS

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 13.94%
• 6M: 13.87%
• 1Y: 31.83%
• 3Y*: 21.18%
• 5Y*: 12.87%
• 10Y*: —

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

SSO vs. AVUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	15.08%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-38.98%	60.57%	21.54%	16.98%
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	13.94%	16.68%	20.43%	21.77%	-13.82%	28.73%	17.58%	8.55%

Correlation

The correlation between SSO and AVUS is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.96

The correlation between SSO and AVUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

SSO vs. AVUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSO	AVUS
Technology	35.6%	27.5%
Financial Services	11.8%	15.2%
Communication Services	11.2%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	11.8%
Healthcare	8.5%	7.1%
Industrials	8.3%	11.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.4%
Energy	3.5%	7.4%
Utilities	2.4%	2.5%
Real Estate	1.9%	0.2%
Basic Materials	1.8%	2.7%

Return for Risk

SSO vs. AVUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

AVUS

AVUS Risk / Return Rank: 85
AVUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
AVUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
AVUS Omega Ratio Rank: 84
AVUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
AVUS Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

SSO vs. AVUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS). 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.

	SSO	AVUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.42	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	3.27	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.43	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	3.88	-1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	17.32	-6.96

SSO vs. AVUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSO Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the AVUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSO and AVUS, 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

SSO vs. AVUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSO drawdown since its inception was -84.67%, which is greater than AVUS's maximum drawdown of -37.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSO and AVUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSO	AVUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.67%	-37.04%	-47.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.17%	-7.85%	-10.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-19.74%	-15.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.73%	-22.19%	-24.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.94%	-0.97%	-3.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.55%	-5.08%	-14.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.24%	1.76%	+2.48%

Volatility

SSO vs. AVUS - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) has a higher volatility of 8.74% compared to Avantis U.S. Equity ETF (AVUS) at 4.40%. This indicates that SSO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSO	AVUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.74%	4.40%	+4.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.17%	9.64%	+9.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.54%	12.60%	+11.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.78%	17.35%	+16.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.95%	20.84%	+15.11%

SSO vs. AVUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSO has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than AVUS's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSO vs. AVUS - Dividend Comparison

SSO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than AVUS's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUS Avantis U.S. Equity ETF	1.18%	1.08%	1.27%	1.41%	1.59%	1.08%	1.19%	0.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 SSO and AVUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, SSO and AVUS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SSO or AVUS?

SSO has higher volatility (8.74%) compared to AVUS (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSO dropped -84.67% vs AVUS's -37.04%.

Which ETF is better, SSO or AVUS?

On 5-year performance, SSO leads with 18.57% vs 12.87% for AVUS. On fees, AVUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, AVUS has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSO or AVUS?

Over the 5-year period, SSO has performed better with a 18.57% return vs 12.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSO or AVUS?

AVUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

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

AVUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.64% for SSO.

What is the main difference between SSO and AVUS?

SSO is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while AVUS is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Avantis. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for SSO and 0.15% for AVUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.79), 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.