ULE vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricULEVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.03%
AUM$4M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings33,543
YTD Return-3.29%+14.20%
1Y Return-2.91%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+2.71%+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-2.47%+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)18.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-72.7%-56.6%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 24, 2008May 24, 2001

ULE vs VTI Performance

ProShares Ultra Euro (ULE) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ULE returned -2.91% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, ULE is down 3.29% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Over three years, ULE compounded at +2.71% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -2.47% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs -3.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ULE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -72.7% for ULE 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ULE 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, ULE currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ULE or VTI?

ULE 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, ULE or VTI?

Over the past year ULE returned -2.91% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ULE annualized -3.85% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ULE or VTI?

ULE has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ULE -72.7% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both ULE and VTI?

ULE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, ULE or VTI?

ULE yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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