SEF vs VOO
ProShares Short Financials 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 | SEF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.25% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -3.17% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.02% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -12.52% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.44% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SEF vs VOO Performance
ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEF returned -8.02% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, SEF is down 3.17% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, SEF compounded at -12.52% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -7.44% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -14.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -96.7% for SEF 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 -0.87. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEF 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, SEF currently yields 3.25% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SEF 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, SEF or VOO?
SEF 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, SEF or VOO?
Over the past year SEF returned -8.02% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SEF annualized -14.46% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEF or VOO?
SEF has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SEF -96.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SEF and VOO?
SEF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEF and VOO?
SEF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEF or VOO?
SEF yields 3.25% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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