SETH vs VTI
ProShares Short Ether ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SETH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SETH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +30.40% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.10% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
SETH vs VTI Performance
ProShares Short Ether ETF (SETH) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SETH returned +49.10% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, SETH is up 30.40% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SETH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.7% compared with 15.3% 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 -80.8% for SETH 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 -0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SETH 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, SETH currently yields 9.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SETH or VTI?
SETH 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, SETH or VTI?
Over the past year SETH returned +49.10% vs +23.62% for VTI, so SETH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SETH annualized -32.33% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SETH or VTI?
SETH has been the more volatile fund at 65.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SETH -80.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SETH and VTI?
SETH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SETH or VTI?
SETH yields 9.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SETH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.