SDS vs VYM
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SDS or VYM?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.88, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDS | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $388M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.55% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 20 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -20.41% | +11.47%Best |
| 1Y Return | -23.17% | +15.94%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -30.57% | +18.03%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -21.87% | +12.35%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.4% | 14.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $2,911 | $17,901Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Sep 21, 2026 (19.8 years).
SDS vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.8 years both funds cover.
SDS vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDS returned -23.17% while VYM returned +15.94%. Year to date, SDS is down 20.41% versus a gain of 11.47% for VYM.
Over three years, SDS compounded at -30.57% per year against +18.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -21.87% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.82% annualized vs -25.83%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.88. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDS charges 0.91% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $4 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDS currently yields 5.55% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in SDS and 557 in VYM, totalling 101.8% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in SDS and 557 in VYM, against full books of 20 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SDS and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDS or VYM?
SDS has an expense ratio of 0.91% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $87 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SDS or VYM?
Over the past year SDS returned -23.17% vs +15.94% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SDS annualized -25.83% vs +6.82% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SDS or VYM?
SDS has been the more volatile fund at 28.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM.
Should I hold both SDS and VYM?
SDS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.88, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDS or VYM?
SDS yields 5.55% while VYM yields 2.22%, so SDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SDS?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.88, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.