SCO vs VYM
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $772M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -67.15% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | -63.08% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -30.53% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -41.14% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 114.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCO vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil (SCO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCO returned -63.08% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SCO is down 67.15% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, SCO compounded at -30.53% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -41.14% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -19.21%. 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 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 -99.7% for SCO 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 -0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCO 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, SCO currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SCO and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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 VYM?
SCO 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, SCO or VYM?
Over the past year SCO returned -63.08% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SCO annualized -19.21% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCO or VYM?
SCO has been the more volatile fund at 114.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SCO -99.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCO and VYM?
SCO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCO and VYM?
SCO and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCO or VYM?
SCO yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM 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.