MZZ vs VOO
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MZZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.88% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -25.53% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | -35.30% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -22.29% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -17.15% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MZZ vs VOO Performance
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 (MZZ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MZZ returned -35.30% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, MZZ is down 25.53% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, MZZ compounded at -22.29% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -17.15% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -31.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MZZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.9% 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 -99.9% for MZZ 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 -0.89. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MZZ 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, MZZ currently yields 5.88% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MZZ or VOO?
MZZ 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, MZZ or VOO?
Over the past year MZZ returned -35.30% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MZZ annualized -31.07% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MZZ or VOO?
MZZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MZZ -99.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MZZ and VOO?
MZZ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MZZ or VOO?
MZZ yields 5.88% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MZZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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