UGL vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Gold vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, UGL or VYM?
UGL has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UGL led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | UGL | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $843M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 6 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -10.00% | +13.91%Best |
| 1Y Return | +22.29%Best | +17.57% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +52.55%Best | +18.12% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.21%Best | +12.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.3% | 14.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -75.9% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $34,643Best | $17,758 |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 3, 2008 to Sep 11, 2026 (17.8 years).
UGL 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.
UGL vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGL returned +22.29% while VYM returned +17.57%. Year to date, UGL is down 10.00% versus a gain of 13.91% for VYM.
Over three years, UGL compounded at +52.55% per year against +18.12% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +28.21% and +12.17% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, UGL has the edge at +12.50% annualized vs +10.36%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% compared with 14.2% 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 -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.07. They move largely independently of each other.
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 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in UGL and 603 in VYM, totalling 37.7% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 62 days apart, UGL as of Aug 31, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in UGL and 603 in VYM, against full books of 6 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of UGL 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, UGL or VYM?
UGL 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, UGL or VYM?
Over the past year UGL returned +22.29% vs +17.57% for VYM, so UGL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), UGL annualized +12.50% vs +10.36% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, UGL or VYM?
UGL has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 14.2% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UGL -75.9% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both UGL and VYM?
UGL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, 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, UGL or VYM?
UGL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than UGL?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UGL led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.