SEF vs VTI
ProShares Short Financials 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 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.25% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -4.29% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.65% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -13.10% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.48% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
SEF vs VTI Performance
ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEF returned -6.65% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SEF is down 4.29% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SEF compounded at -13.10% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -7.48% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -14.50%. 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 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 -96.7% for SEF 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 -0.84. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 3.25% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SEF 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, SEF or VTI?
SEF has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEF or VTI?
Over the past year SEF returned -6.65% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SEF annualized -14.50% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEF or VTI?
SEF has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SEF -96.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SEF and VTI?
SEF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEF and VTI?
SEF and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEF or VTI?
SEF yields 3.25% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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