UGL vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Gold vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UGL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $807M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.13% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.72% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +59.70% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +31.13% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UGL vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGL returned +63.72% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, UGL is up 2.13% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, UGL compounded at +59.70% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +31.13% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, UGL has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.7% 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 -75.9% for UGL 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UGL 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, UGL currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UGL 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, UGL or VYM?
UGL 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, UGL or VYM?
Over the past year UGL returned +63.72% vs +23.24% for VYM, so UGL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), UGL annualized +13.35% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGL or VYM?
UGL has been the more volatile fund at 33.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UGL -75.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UGL and VYM?
UGL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UGL and VYM?
UGL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGL or VYM?
UGL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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