SDOW vs VYM
ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDOW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $177M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -26.41% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | -40.15% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -59.28% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -44.36% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SDOW vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 (SDOW) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDOW returned -40.15% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, SDOW is down 26.41% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, SDOW compounded at -59.28% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -44.36% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -43.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.7% 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 -100.0% for SDOW 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 -0.83. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDOW 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, SDOW currently yields 5.42% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SDOW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, SDOW or VYM?
SDOW 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, SDOW or VYM?
Over the past year SDOW returned -40.15% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SDOW annualized -43.26% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDOW or VYM?
SDOW has been the more volatile fund at 42.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SDOW -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SDOW and VYM?
SDOW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDOW and VYM?
SDOW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDOW or VYM?
SDOW yields 5.42% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SDOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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