DUG vs VOO
ProShares UltraShort Energy vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $30M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.55% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -53.85% | +12.13% | |
| 1Y Return | -55.98% | +20.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -27.60% | +20.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -43.47% | +12.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DUG vs VOO Performance
ProShares UltraShort Energy (DUG) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DUG returned -55.98% while VOO returned +20.36%. Year to date, DUG is down 53.85% versus a gain of 12.13% for VOO.
Over three years, DUG compounded at -27.60% per year against +20.90% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -43.47% and +12.59% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.41% annualized vs -31.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -100.0% for DUG and -34.3% for VOO. 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 -0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUG charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUG currently yields 4.55% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DUG and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, DUG or VOO?
DUG has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUG or VOO?
Over the past year DUG returned -55.98% vs +20.36% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DUG annualized -31.59% vs +13.41% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUG or VOO?
DUG has been the more volatile fund at 47.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DUG -100.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DUG and VOO?
DUG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUG and VOO?
DUG and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUG or VOO?
DUG yields 4.55% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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