UCO vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, UCO or VYM?
Each has led over a different period.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UCO led over 1Y and 5Y, VYM over 3Y and the full window.
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 | UCO | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $460M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 9 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +162.74%Best | +10.96% |
| 1Y Return | +125.22%Best | +15.42% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.76% | +17.78%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.04%Best | +12.05% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65.1% | 14.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $25,980Best | $17,663 |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 25, 2008 to Sep 22, 2026 (17.8 years).
UCO vs VYM 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 17.8 years both funds cover.
UCO vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil (UCO) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UCO returned +125.22% while VYM returned +15.42%. Year to date, UCO is up 162.74% versus a gain of 10.96% for VYM.
Over three years, UCO compounded at +12.76% per year against +17.78% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +21.04% and +12.05% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.33% annualized vs -23.07%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UCO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.1% compared with 14.2% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.41. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UCO 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, UCO currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in UCO and 557 in VYM, totalling 28.8% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in UCO and 557 in VYM, against full books of 9 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of UCO and VYM 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, UCO or VYM?
UCO has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, UCO or VYM?
Over the past year UCO returned +125.22% vs +15.42% for VYM, so UCO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), UCO annualized -23.07% vs +10.33% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, UCO or VYM?
UCO has been the more volatile fund at 65.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VYM.
Should I hold both UCO and VYM?
UCO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, UCO or VYM?
UCO yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than UCO?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UCO led over 1Y and 5Y, VYM over 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.