SMDD vs VTI
UltraPro Short MidCap400 vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.65% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -34.46% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -44.57% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -37.90% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -30.83% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
SMDD vs VTI Performance
UltraPro Short MidCap400 (SMDD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDD returned -44.57% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, SMDD is down 34.46% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, SMDD compounded at -37.90% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -30.83% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -40.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.3% 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 -100.0% for SMDD 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 -0.83. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDD 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, SMDD currently yields 5.65% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDD or VTI?
SMDD 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, SMDD or VTI?
Over the past year SMDD returned -44.57% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SMDD annualized -40.11% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDD or VTI?
SMDD has been the more volatile fund at 52.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMDD -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMDD and VTI?
SMDD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDD or VTI?
SMDD yields 5.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMDD 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.