MZZ vs VTI
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, MZZ or VTI?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.90, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MZZ | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $4M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.56% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 4 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -15.46% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | -16.80% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -21.16% | +21.01%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -16.19% | +12.36%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.9% | 15.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -56.6% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $4,135 | $17,908Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 12, 2006 to Sep 18, 2026 (20.2 years).
MZZ vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 20.2 years both funds cover.
MZZ vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 (MZZ) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MZZ returned -16.80% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, MZZ is down 15.46% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Over three years, MZZ compounded at -21.16% per year against +21.01% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -16.19% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +9.71% annualized vs -30.50%.
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 15.7% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.90. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MZZ 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, MZZ currently yields 5.56% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MZZ and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MZZ or VTI?
MZZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MZZ or VTI?
Over the past year MZZ returned -16.80% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MZZ annualized -30.50% vs +9.71% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MZZ or VTI?
MZZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.9% annualized versus 15.7% for VTI.
Should I hold both MZZ and VTI?
MZZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.90, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MZZ or VTI?
MZZ yields 5.56% while VTI yields 1.03%, so MZZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than MZZ?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.90, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.