SAA vs VTI
ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SAA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.74% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 607 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +43.63% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +69.30% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.66% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 23, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
SAA vs VTI Performance
ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 (SAA) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAA returned +69.30% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, SAA is up 43.63% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, SAA compounded at +19.66% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.51% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SAA has the edge at +9.11% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.1% 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 -88.1% for SAA 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAA 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, SAA currently yields 0.74% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SAA and VTI share 457 holdings out of 2926 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAA or VTI?
SAA 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, SAA or VTI?
Over the past year SAA returned +69.30% vs +23.31% for VTI, so SAA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SAA annualized +9.11% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAA or VTI?
SAA has been the more volatile fund at 41.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SAA -88.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SAA and VTI?
SAA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAA and VTI?
SAA and VTI share 457 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAA or VTI?
SAA yields 0.74% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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