UGE vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Consumer Staples 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $10M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.09% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.29% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.31% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.71% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.70% | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UGE vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Consumer Staples (UGE) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGE returned +10.31% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, UGE is up 17.29% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, UGE compounded at +7.71% per year against +18.34% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.70% and +12.04% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, UGE has the edge at +10.42% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.3% compared with 14.6% 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 -72.2% for UGE 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UGE 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, UGE currently yields 2.09% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UGE and VYM share 26 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UGE or VYM?
UGE 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, UGE or VYM?
Over the past year UGE returned +10.31% vs +20.88% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), UGE annualized +10.42% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGE or VYM?
UGE has been the more volatile fund at 29.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UGE -72.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UGE and VYM?
UGE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UGE and VYM?
UGE and VYM share 26 common holdings with a 6.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGE or VYM?
UGE yields 2.09% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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