SSO vs. SOXL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) and SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF) are both Leveraged Equities funds - SSO tracks the S&P 500 while SOXL tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SSO returned 24.02%/yr vs 63.20%/yr for SOXL. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SSO charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SOXL.

Performance

SSO vs. SOXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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 lower than SOXL's 458.36% return. Over the past 10 years, SSO has underperformed SOXL with an annualized return of 24.02%, while SOXL has yielded a comparatively higher 63.20% annualized return.

SSO

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 15.08%
• 6M: 15.47%
• 1Y: 43.79%
• 3Y*: 34.18%
• 5Y*: 18.57%
• 10Y*: 24.02%

SOXL

• 1D: 4.77%
• 1M: 27.38%
• YTD: 458.36%
• 6M: 462.65%
• 1Y: 985.71%
• 3Y*: 110.81%
• 5Y*: 43.69%
• 10Y*: 63.20%

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

SSO vs. SOXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	458.36%	54.91%	-12.31%	226.98%	-85.66%	118.84%	70.04%	231.83%	-39.07%	141.71%

Correlation

The correlation between SSO and SOXL is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2010	0.77

The correlation between SSO and SOXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

SSO vs. SOXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSO	SOXL
Technology	35.6%	100.0%
Financial Services	11.8%	-
Communication Services	11.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.5%	-
Industrials	8.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.4%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

SSO vs. SOXL — 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

SOXL

SOXL Risk / Return Rank: 97
SOXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SOXL Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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. SOXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL). 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	SOXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	8.99	-7.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	4.23	-1.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.60	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	22.91	-20.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	74.51	-64.14

SSO vs. SOXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSO Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is lower than the SOXL Sharpe Ratio of 8.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSO and SOXL, 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. SOXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSO drawdown since its inception was -84.67%, smaller than the maximum SOXL drawdown of -90.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSO and SOXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSO	SOXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.67%	-90.46%	+5.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.17%	-43.47%	+25.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-87.88%	+52.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.73%	-90.46%	+43.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.34%	-90.46%	+31.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.94%	-16.35%	+11.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.55%	-34.99%	+15.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.24%	13.35%	-9.11%

Volatility

SSO vs. SOXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) is 8.74%, while Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) has a volatility of 58.17%. This indicates that SSO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSO	SOXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.74%	58.17%	-49.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.17%	93.93%	-74.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.54%	110.81%	-86.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.78%	108.96%	-75.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.95%	99.99%	-64.04%

SSO vs. SOXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSO has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXL's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSO vs. SOXL - Dividend Comparison

SSO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, more than SOXL's 0.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOXL Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF	0.03%	0.34%	1.18%	0.51%	1.07%	0.04%	0.05%	0.38%	1.30%	0.09%	4.84%	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 SOXL in my portfolio?

SSO and SOXL have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SSO or SOXL?

SOXL has higher volatility (58.17%) compared to SSO (8.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSO dropped -84.67% vs SOXL's -90.46%.

Which ETF is better, SSO or SOXL?

On 10-year performance, SOXL leads with 63.20% vs 24.02% for SSO. On fees, SOXL is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, SSO has been the lower-risk option at 8.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSO or SOXL?

Over the 10-year period, SOXL has performed better with a 63.20% return vs 24.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSO or SOXL?

SOXL is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

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

SSO has the higher dividend yield at 0.64%, compared with 0.03% for SOXL.

What is the main difference between SSO and SOXL?

SSO tracks S&P 500, while SOXL tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for SSO and 0.75% for SOXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (8.99 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.