SDP vs VOO
ProShares UltraShort Utilities 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.27% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.53% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.59% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -19.70% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -14.89% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SDP vs VOO Performance
ProShares UltraShort Utilities (SDP) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDP returned -2.59% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, SDP is down 1.53% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, SDP compounded at -19.70% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -14.89% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs -24.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -99.8% for SDP 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 -0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDP 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, SDP currently yields 4.27% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDP or VOO?
SDP 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, SDP or VOO?
Over the past year SDP returned -2.59% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SDP annualized -24.65% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDP or VOO?
SDP has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SDP -99.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SDP and VOO?
SDP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDP or VOO?
SDP yields 4.27% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SDP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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