SMN vs VOO
ProShares UltraShort Materials 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 | SMN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.53% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -25.13% | +13.81% | |
| 1Y Return | -27.44% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -33.86% | +21.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -27.49% | +12.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 45.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMN vs VOO Performance
ProShares UltraShort Materials (SMN) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMN returned -27.44% while VOO returned +21.53%. Year to date, SMN is down 25.13% versus a gain of 13.81% for VOO.
Over three years, SMN compounded at -33.86% per year against +21.46% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -27.49% and +12.87% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs -32.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.3% compared with 14.1% 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 SMN 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 -0.77. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMN 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, SMN currently yields 3.53% against 1.08% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMN or VOO?
SMN 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, SMN or VOO?
Over the past year SMN returned -27.44% vs +21.53% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMN annualized -32.18% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMN or VOO?
SMN has been the more volatile fund at 45.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMN -100.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMN and VOO?
SMN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMN or VOO?
SMN yields 3.53% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SMN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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