SSG vs VTI
ProShares UltraShort Semiconductors 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 | SSG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $37M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -60.79% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -71.21% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -74.22% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -66.61% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 97.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
SSG vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraShort Semiconductors (SSG) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SSG returned -71.21% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, SSG is down 60.79% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, SSG compounded at -74.22% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -66.61% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -45.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 97.9% compared with 15.4% 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 SSG 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 -0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SSG 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, SSG currently yields 8.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SSG 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, SSG or VTI?
SSG 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, SSG or VTI?
Over the past year SSG returned -71.21% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SSG annualized -45.99% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SSG or VTI?
SSG has been the more volatile fund at 97.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SSG -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SSG and VTI?
SSG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SSG and VTI?
SSG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SSG or VTI?
SSG yields 8.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SSG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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