SSO vs. SPYI

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) and SPYI (NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500, while SPYI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Neos. SSO is passively managed, while SPYI is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SSO returned 34.18%/yr vs 15.48%/yr for SPYI. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SSO charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for SPYI.

Performance

SSO vs. SPYI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI). 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 SPYI's 6.31% 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%

SPYI

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 6.31%
• 6M: 6.98%
• 1Y: 20.84%
• 3Y*: 15.48%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SSO vs. SPYI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	15.08%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-11.68%
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	6.31%	16.67%	19.03%	18.09%	-3.96%

Correlation

The correlation between SSO and SPYI is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2022	0.96

The correlation between SSO and SPYI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

SSO vs. SPYI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSO	SPYI
Technology	25.7%	39.1%
Financial Services	24.1%	11.1%
Communication Services	7.0%	10.7%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	9.9%
Healthcare	5.9%	8.3%
Industrials	5.3%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	4.5%
Energy	2.3%	3.1%
Utilities	1.7%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.3%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.2%	1.7%

Return for Risk

SSO vs. SPYI — 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

SPYI

SPYI Risk / Return Rank: 71
SPYI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SPYI Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SPYI Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SPYI Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SPYI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. SPYI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI). 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	SPYI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.98	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	2.68	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	2.59	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	13.05	-2.68

SSO vs. SPYI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSO Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the SPYI Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSO and SPYI, 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. SPYI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSO drawdown since its inception was -84.67%, which is greater than SPYI's maximum drawdown of -16.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSO and SPYI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSO	SPYI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.67%	-16.47%	-68.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.17%	-7.72%	-10.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-16.47%	-18.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.94%	-1.79%	-3.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.55%	-1.81%	-17.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.24%	1.53%	+2.71%

Volatility

SSO vs. SPYI - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) has a higher volatility of 8.74% compared to NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) at 3.62%. This indicates that SSO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPYI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSO	SPYI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.74%	3.62%	+5.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.17%	8.07%	+11.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.54%	10.10%	+14.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.78%	12.99%	+20.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.95%	12.99%	+22.96%

SSO vs. SPYI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSO has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYI's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSO vs. SPYI - Dividend Comparison

SSO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than SPYI's 11.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	11.80%	11.70%	12.04%	12.01%	4.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 SPYI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, SSO and SPYI 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 SPYI?

SSO has higher volatility (8.74%) compared to SPYI (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSO dropped -84.67% vs SPYI's -16.47%.

Which ETF is better, SSO or SPYI?

On 3-year performance, SSO leads with 34.18% vs 15.48% for SPYI. On fees, SPYI is cheaper at 0.68% per year. On volatility, SPYI has been the lower-risk option at 3.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSO or SPYI?

Over the 3-year period, SSO has performed better with a 34.18% return vs 15.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSO or SPYI?

SPYI is cheaper with a 0.68% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

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

SPYI has the higher dividend yield at 11.80%, compared with 0.64% for SSO.

What is the main difference between SSO and SPYI?

SSO is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SPYI is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Neos. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for SSO and 0.68% for SPYI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 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.