SPY vs UCC

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYUCCWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.95%
AUM$789.1B$10M
Dividend Yield1.01%1.24%
Holdings50552
YTD Return+13.28%-4.29%
1Y Return+23.94%+8.39%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.07%+12.38%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.27%-0.57%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%36.1%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-83.3%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementProShares
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 22, 1993Jan 30, 2007

SPY vs UCC Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and ProShares Ultra Consumer Discretionary (UCC) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SPY returned +23.94% while UCC returned +8.39%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.28% versus a loss of 4.29% for UCC.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.07% per year against +12.38% for UCC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and -0.57% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, UCC has the edge at +13.13% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

UCC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.1% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for SPY and -83.3% for UCC. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while UCC charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $95 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.24% for UCC.

Holdings Overlap

9.3%overlap

SPY and UCC share 46 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPYWeight in UCCDifference
AMZN3.69%15.20%11.51%
TSLA1.82%13.09%11.27%
HD0.54%3.87%3.33%
MCDProProPro
TJXProProPro
BKNGProProPro
LOWProProPro
SBUXProProPro
MARProProPro
HLTProProPro
See all 10 holdings SPY shares with UCC
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or UCC?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UCC charges 0.95%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or UCC?

Over the past year SPY returned +23.94% vs +8.39% for UCC, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +13.13% for UCC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or UCC?

UCC has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UCC -83.3%.

Should I hold both SPY and UCC?

SPY and UCC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UCC?

SPY and UCC share 46 common holdings with a 9.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UCC?

SPY yields 1.01% while UCC yields 1.24%, so UCC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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