SDS vs VOO
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 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 | SDS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $428M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.33% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -20.05% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | -29.33% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -28.49% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -21.21% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SDS vs VOO Performance
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDS returned -29.33% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, SDS is down 20.05% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, SDS compounded at -28.49% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -21.21% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -26.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% 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 -99.9% for SDS 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 -0.97. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDS charges 0.91% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $3 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDS currently yields 5.33% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SDS and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, SDS or VOO?
SDS has an expense ratio of 0.91% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDS or VOO?
Over the past year SDS returned -29.33% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SDS annualized -26.33% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDS or VOO?
SDS has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SDS -99.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SDS and VOO?
SDS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.97, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDS and VOO?
SDS and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDS or VOO?
SDS yields 5.33% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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