SDD vs VOO
ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.30% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -29.44% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | -34.95% | +21.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -24.10% | +20.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -16.49% | +12.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 23, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SDD vs VOO Performance
ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDD returned -34.95% while VOO returned +21.15%. Year to date, SDD is down 29.44% versus a gain of 12.87% for VOO.
Over three years, SDD compounded at -24.10% per year against +20.93% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -16.49% and +12.76% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.46% annualized vs -29.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -100.0% for SDD and -34.3% for VOO. 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 -0.83. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDD charges 0.95% per year while VOO 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, SDD currently yields 6.30% against 1.08% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDD or VOO?
SDD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDD or VOO?
Over the past year SDD returned -34.95% vs +21.15% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SDD annualized -29.46% vs +13.46% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDD or VOO?
SDD has been the more volatile fund at 38.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SDD -100.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SDD and VOO?
SDD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDD or VOO?
SDD yields 6.30% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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