MZZ vs VTI
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 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 | MZZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.57% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -27.11% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -33.15% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -23.53% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -17.69% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
MZZ vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 (MZZ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MZZ returned -33.15% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, MZZ is down 27.11% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, MZZ compounded at -23.53% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -17.69% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -31.13%. 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 15.4% 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 -100.0% for MZZ 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 -0.90. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 5.57% against 1.07% for VTI.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MZZ or VTI?
Over the past year MZZ returned -33.15% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MZZ annualized -31.13% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MZZ or VTI?
MZZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: MZZ -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MZZ and VTI?
MZZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.90, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MZZ or VTI?
MZZ yields 5.57% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MZZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.