SAA vs VYM
ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SAA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $29M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 607 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +35.28% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.33% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.25% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.25% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SAA vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra SmallCap600 (SAA) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAA returned +43.33% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, SAA is up 35.28% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Over three years, SAA compounded at +17.25% per year against +18.16% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.25% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SAA has the edge at +8.75% annualized vs +6.99%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAA charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAA currently yields 0.77% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SAA and VYM share 150 holdings out of 1053 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAA or VYM?
SAA has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAA or VYM?
Over the past year SAA returned +43.33% vs +21.08% for VYM, so SAA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SAA annualized +8.75% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAA or VYM?
SAA has been the more volatile fund at 41.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SAA -88.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SAA and VYM?
SAA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAA and VYM?
SAA and VYM share 150 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1053 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAA or VYM?
SAA yields 0.77% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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