SSO VS FAS: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFs
4 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

SSO VS FAS: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFs

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have brought a new dimension to the investment landscape, enabling investors to gain exposure to diverse sectors and asset classes. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth comparison between two prominent ETFs: SSO (ProShares Ultra S&P500) and FAS (Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares). Our analysis will cover key aspects such as ETF tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, investment strategy, tracking methods, and exposure.

SSO VS FAS: Overview

SSO and FAS are distinct ETFs that offer different approaches to market exposure. SSO seeks to provide twice the daily return of the S&P 500 Index, making it suitable for investors bullish on the U.S. stock market. On the other hand, FAS is designed to deliver triple the daily performance of the Russell 1000 Financial Services Index, targeting financial sector companies. This fundamental difference in focus leads to varying levels of risk and potential returns.

SSO VS FAS: Sectors and Top Holdings

SSO focuses on the broader market by tracking the S&P 500 Index, which represents a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, and more. Its top holdings consist of large-cap companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet. In contrast, FAS hones in on the financial sector, with top holdings such as JPMorgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway, and Bank of America. Understanding these sectors and holdings is crucial for investors seeking specific sector exposure.

SSO overlap SSO VS FAS: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFsSSO overlap SSO VS FAS: A Comprehensive Comparison of ETFs

SSO VS FAS: Capitalization and Investment Strategy

SSO boasts a substantial asset under management (AUM), reflecting its popularity among investors looking to leverage the potential gains of the S&P 500. Its strategy involves seeking daily returns that are twice the index's performance, making it attractive to short-term traders with a bullish view on the market. FAS, as a leveraged ETF, aims to amplify the daily returns of financial services companies. Investors should weigh the potential rewards against the higher risk associated with leveraged funds.

SSO VS FAS: Tracking Methods and Exposure

SSO's goal is to provide amplified exposure to the S&P 500 Index through the use of financial derivatives. Its daily rebalancing approach helps achieve the desired doubling of index returns on a daily basis. FAS, likewise, uses derivatives to achieve triple the daily returns of the Russell 1000 Financial Services Index. It's important for investors to grasp the mechanics of these tracking methods, as they can lead to performance discrepancies over extended periods.

Conclusion

SSO and FAS present distinct opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on market movements, albeit with different levels of risk and return potential. For those seeking insights into holdings, correlations, overlaps, and other relevant data, ETF Insider offers an intuitive app that facilitates a deeper exploration of these financial instruments.

Disclaimer: This article does not provide any investment advisory services.

Sources:

SSO ETF issuer
SSO ETF official page

FAS quote and analysis

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