SCO vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCOVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.03%
AUM$772M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings53,543
YTD Return-66.29%+14.96%
1Y Return-63.22%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-29.88%+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-41.24%+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)114.5%15.4%
Max Drawdown-99.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 24, 2008May 24, 2001

SCO vs VTI Performance

ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil (SCO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCO returned -63.22% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SCO is down 66.29% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Over three years, SCO compounded at -29.88% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -41.24% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -19.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 114.5% 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 -99.7% for SCO 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 -0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCO 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, SCO currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCO 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, SCO or VTI?

SCO 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, SCO or VTI?

Over the past year SCO returned -63.22% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SCO annualized -19.09% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCO or VTI?

SCO has been the more volatile fund at 114.5% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SCO -99.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both SCO and VTI?

SCO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCO and VTI?

SCO and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCO or VTI?

SCO yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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