UGL vs VTI
ProShares Ultra Gold vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. UGL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $807M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.60% | +12.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.40% | +20.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +59.61% | +21.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +31.47% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
UGL vs VTI Performance
ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGL returned +63.40% while VTI returned +20.47%. Year to date, UGL is up 3.60% versus a gain of 12.79% for VTI.
Over three years, UGL compounded at +59.61% per year against +21.53% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +31.47% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, UGL has the edge at +13.43% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.8% 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 -75.9% for UGL 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UGL 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, UGL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UGL 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, UGL or VTI?
UGL 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, UGL or VTI?
Over the past year UGL returned +63.40% vs +20.47% for VTI, so UGL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), UGL annualized +13.43% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGL or VTI?
UGL has been the more volatile fund at 33.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UGL -75.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UGL and VTI?
UGL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UGL and VTI?
UGL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGL or VTI?
UGL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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