SSO vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SSO returned 18.57%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SSO charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

SSO vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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 XLC's -4.85% 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%

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.66%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 10.19%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

SSO vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SSO ProShares Ultra S&P500	15.08%	26.19%	43.48%	46.65%	-38.98%	60.57%	21.54%	63.45%	-19.57%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between SSO and XLC is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.81

The correlation between SSO and XLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.81 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SSO vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSO	XLC
Technology	25.7%	4.7%
Financial Services	24.1%	-
Communication Services	7.0%	95.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	-
Healthcare	5.9%	-
Industrials	5.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	-
Energy	2.3%	-
Utilities	1.7%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

SSO vs. XLC — 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

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	0.69	+1.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	1.08	+1.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.12	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	0.86	+1.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	2.73	+7.63

SSO vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSO Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSO and XLC, 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. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSO drawdown since its inception was -84.67%, which is greater than XLC's maximum drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSO and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSO	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.67%	-46.65%	-38.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.17%	-10.57%	-7.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-17.97%	-17.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.73%	-46.65%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.94%	-6.72%	+1.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.55%	-10.58%	-8.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.24%	3.33%	+0.91%

Volatility

SSO vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) has a higher volatility of 8.74% compared to Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) at 3.57%. This indicates that SSO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSO	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.74%	3.57%	+5.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.17%	9.65%	+9.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.54%	13.28%	+11.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.78%	20.68%	+13.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.95%	22.17%	+13.78%

SSO vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSO has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSO vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

SSO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than XLC's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSO and XLC in my portfolio?

SSO and XLC have a correlation of 0.63, 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 XLC?

SSO has higher volatility (8.74%) compared to XLC (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSO dropped -84.67% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, SSO or XLC?

On 5-year performance, SSO leads with 18.57% vs 8.03% for XLC. On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLC has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSO or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, SSO has performed better with a 18.57% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSO or XLC?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

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

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.25%, compared with 0.64% for SSO.

What is the main difference between SSO and XLC?

SSO is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while XLC is Communications Equities. SSO tracks S&P 500, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for SSO and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SSO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.79 vs 0.69), 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.