SPXU vs VTI
ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 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 | SPXU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $365M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -28.61% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -41.82% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -42.91% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -32.94% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
SPXU vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPXU returned -41.82% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SPXU is down 28.61% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, SPXU compounded at -42.91% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -32.94% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -42.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.6% 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 SPXU 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
SPXU charges 0.90% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $3 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPXU currently yields 6.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SPXU and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPXU or VTI?
SPXU has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPXU or VTI?
Over the past year SPXU returned -41.82% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPXU annualized -42.59% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPXU or VTI?
SPXU has been the more volatile fund at 39.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SPXU -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SPXU and VTI?
SPXU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.95, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPXU and VTI?
SPXU and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPXU or VTI?
SPXU yields 6.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SPXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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