SDS vs VTI
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $428M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.33% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -21.51% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | -28.69% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -28.88% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -21.35% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
SDS vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDS returned -28.69% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SDS is down 21.51% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SDS compounded at -28.88% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -21.35% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -26.39%. 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 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.96. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDS charges 0.91% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SDS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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 VTI?
SDS has an expense ratio of 0.91% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDS or VTI?
Over the past year SDS returned -28.69% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SDS annualized -26.39% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDS or VTI?
SDS has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SDS -99.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SDS and VTI?
SDS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.96, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDS and VTI?
SDS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDS or VTI?
SDS yields 5.33% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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