UBT vs VYM
ProShares Ultra 20+ Year Treasury vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UBT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $64M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.79% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | -9.29% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.48% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -7.50% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -21.39% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.2% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UBT vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra 20+ Year Treasury (UBT) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UBT returned -5.48% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, UBT is down 9.29% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, UBT compounded at -7.50% per year against +18.47% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -21.39% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs -0.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UBT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% compared with 14.5% for VYM. 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 -79.0% for UBT and -58.8% for VYM. 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UBT charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UBT currently yields 3.79% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UBT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, UBT or VYM?
UBT has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UBT or VYM?
Over the past year UBT returned -5.48% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), UBT annualized -0.50% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UBT or VYM?
UBT has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UBT -79.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UBT and VYM?
UBT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UBT and VYM?
UBT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UBT or VYM?
UBT yields 3.79% while VYM yields 2.24%, so UBT 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.