SPY vs UMDD
SPY vs UMDD
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs UltraPro MidCap400
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. UMDD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | UMDD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.63% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 409 | |
| YTD Return | +13.28% | +39.90% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.94% | +60.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.07% | +19.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +4.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 52.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -86.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 9, 2010 |
SPY vs UMDD Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and UltraPro MidCap400 (UMDD) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SPY returned +23.94% while UMDD returned +60.18%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.28% versus a gain of 39.90% for UMDD.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.07% per year against +19.66% for UMDD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +4.04% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, UMDD has the edge at +19.26% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UMDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.7% 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 -86.4% for UMDD. 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 UMDD 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 0.63% for UMDD.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UMDD share 0 holdings out of 903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UMDD?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UMDD 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 UMDD?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.94% vs +60.18% for UMDD, so UMDD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +19.26% for UMDD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UMDD?
UMDD has been the more volatile fund at 52.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UMDD -86.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and UMDD?
SPY and UMDD 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 UMDD?
SPY and UMDD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UMDD?
SPY yields 1.01% while UMDD yields 0.63%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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