DUG vs VTI
ProShares UltraShort Energy vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $19M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -49.51% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -56.70% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -27.15% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -42.34% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
DUG vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraShort Energy (DUG) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DUG returned -56.70% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, DUG is down 49.51% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, DUG compounded at -27.15% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -42.34% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -31.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.9% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -99.9% for DUG and -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUG charges 0.95% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DUG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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 VTI?
DUG has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUG or VTI?
Over the past year DUG returned -56.70% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DUG annualized -31.34% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUG or VTI?
DUG has been the more volatile fund at 47.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DUG -99.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DUG and VTI?
DUG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUG and VTI?
DUG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUG or VTI?
DUG yields 4.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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