SMDD vs VOO
UltraPro Short MidCap400 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.11% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -39.40% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | -45.86% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -37.53% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -31.10% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.4% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMDD vs VOO Performance
UltraPro Short MidCap400 (SMDD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDD returned -45.86% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, SMDD is down 39.40% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, SMDD compounded at -37.53% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -31.10% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs -40.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.4% compared with 14.2% 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 -100.0% for SMDD 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 -0.81. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDD 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, SMDD currently yields 6.11% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDD or VOO?
SMDD 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, SMDD or VOO?
Over the past year SMDD returned -45.86% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMDD annualized -40.42% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDD or VOO?
SMDD has been the more volatile fund at 52.4% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMDD -100.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMDD and VOO?
SMDD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDD or VOO?
SMDD yields 6.11% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SMDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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