SMDD vs VTI
UltraPro Short MidCap400 vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, SMDD or VTI?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.83, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDD | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $2M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.65% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -24.90% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | -27.96% | +16.08%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -35.47% | +21.01%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -29.38% | +12.36%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.3% | 14.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $1,756 | $17,908Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 11, 2010 to Sep 18, 2026 (16.6 years).
SMDD vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.6 years both funds cover.
SMDD vs VTI Performance
UltraPro Short MidCap400 (SMDD) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDD returned -27.96% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, SMDD is down 24.90% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Over three years, SMDD compounded at -35.47% per year against +21.01% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -29.38% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs -39.46%.
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 14.9% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.83. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
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 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SMDD and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SMDD or VTI?
Over the past year SMDD returned -27.96% vs +16.08% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SMDD annualized -39.46% vs +12.81% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SMDD or VTI?
SMDD has been the more volatile fund at 52.3% annualized versus 14.9% for VTI.
Should I hold both SMDD and VTI?
SMDD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.83, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDD or VTI?
SMDD yields 5.65% while VTI yields 1.03%, so SMDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than SMDD?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.83, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.