SEF vs VTI
ProShares Short Financials vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, SEF or VTI?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.84, 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 | SEF | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $13M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.47% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +0.26% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.28% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.91% | +21.01%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.31% | +12.36%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 16.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -96.7% | -50.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,842 | $17,908Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 12, 2008 to Sep 18, 2026 (18.3 years).
SEF vs VTI 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 18.3 years both funds cover.
SEF vs VTI Performance
ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEF returned -0.28% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, SEF is up 0.26% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Over three years, SEF compounded at -11.91% per year against +21.01% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -7.31% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +10.32% annualized vs -14.21%.
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 16.1% 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 -96.7% for SEF and -50.8% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.84. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEF charges 0.95% per year while VTI 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 3.47% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in SEF and 3,463 in VTI, totalling 84.5% and 98.1% 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 SEF and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 10 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SEF and VTI 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, SEF or VTI?
SEF has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SEF or VTI?
Over the past year SEF returned -0.28% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SEF annualized -14.21% vs +10.32% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SEF or VTI?
SEF has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 16.1% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SEF -96.7% vs VTI -50.8%.
Should I hold both SEF and VTI?
SEF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.84, 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, SEF or VTI?
SEF yields 3.47% while VTI yields 1.03%, so SEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than SEF?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.84, 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.