SH vs VTI
ProShares Short S&P500 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 | SH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $928M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.21% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -9.53% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -13.25% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -13.07% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.78% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -95.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
SH vs VTI Performance
ProShares Short S&P500 (SH) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SH returned -13.25% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, SH is down 9.53% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, SH compounded at -13.07% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -8.78% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -12.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for SH. 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 -95.5% for SH 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 -0.95. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SH charges 0.89% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SH currently yields 4.21% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SH or VTI?
SH has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SH or VTI?
Over the past year SH returned -13.25% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SH annualized -12.53% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SH or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for SH. Worst drawdown: SH -95.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SH and VTI?
SH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.95, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SH or VTI?
SH yields 4.21% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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