REK vs VTI
ProShares Short Real Estate vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.22% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -7.57% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.64% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.34% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.20% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
REK vs VTI Performance
ProShares Short Real Estate (REK) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REK returned -5.64% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, REK is down 7.57% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, REK compounded at -4.34% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.20% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs -9.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 15.3% 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 -84.8% for REK 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 -0.73. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REK 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, REK currently yields 3.22% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
REK and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, REK or VTI?
REK 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, REK or VTI?
Over the past year REK returned -5.64% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), REK annualized -9.84% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REK or VTI?
REK has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: REK -84.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both REK and VTI?
REK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REK and VTI?
REK and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REK or VTI?
REK yields 3.22% while VTI yields 1.07%, so REK 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.