SSO vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SSO is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SSO returned 24.02%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for XLE. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SSO charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

SSO vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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 XLE's 29.56% return. Over the past 10 years, SSO has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 24.02%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.91% annualized return.

SSO

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 15.08%
• 6M: 15.47%
• 1Y: 47.12%
• 3Y*: 34.18%
• 5Y*: 18.57%
• 10Y*: 24.02%

XLE

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -3.18%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 6M: 28.37%
• 1Y: 34.84%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

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

SSO vs. XLE - 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%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.56%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SSO and XLE is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2006	0.59

The correlation between SSO and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SSO vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SSO	XLE
Technology	25.7%	-
Financial Services	24.1%	-
Communication Services	7.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	-
Healthcare	5.9%	-
Industrials	5.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	-
Energy	2.3%	100.0%
Utilities	1.7%	-
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

SSO vs. XLE — 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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 61
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	1.82	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	2.40	-0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.42	3.10	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	8.63	+1.73

SSO vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SSO Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SSO and XLE, 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. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SSO drawdown since its inception was -84.67%, which is greater than XLE's maximum drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SSO and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SSO	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.67%	-71.26%	-13.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.17%	-12.05%	-6.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.21%	-20.14%	-15.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.73%	-26.04%	-20.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.34%	-66.81%	+7.47%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.94%	-8.01%	+3.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.55%	-17.97%	-1.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.24%	4.32%	-0.08%

Volatility

SSO vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) has a higher volatility of 8.74% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 7.26%. This indicates that SSO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SSO	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.74%	7.26%	+1.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.17%	16.79%	+2.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.54%	20.57%	+3.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.78%	26.05%	+7.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.95%	29.58%	+6.37%

SSO vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SSO has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

SSO vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

SSO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than XLE's 2.59% 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%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SSO and XLE in my portfolio?

SSO and XLE have a correlation of -0.11, 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 XLE?

SSO has higher volatility (8.74%) compared to XLE (7.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SSO dropped -84.67% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, SSO or XLE?

On 10-year performance, SSO leads with 24.02% vs 9.91% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 7.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SSO or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, SSO has performed better with a 24.02% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SSO or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for SSO.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 0.64% for SSO.

What is the main difference between SSO and XLE?

SSO is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. SSO tracks S&P 500, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for SSO and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 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.