UPRO vs VTI
ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. UPRO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UPRO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +28.84% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.50% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.61% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.51% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
UPRO vs VTI Performance
ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPRO returned +53.50% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, UPRO is up 28.84% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, UPRO compounded at +49.61% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +18.51% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, UPRO has the edge at +32.59% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.5% 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 -76.8% for UPRO 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPRO charges 0.89% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPRO currently yields 0.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UPRO and VTI share 456 holdings out of 2835 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPRO or VTI?
UPRO has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPRO or VTI?
Over the past year UPRO returned +53.50% vs +22.35% for VTI, so UPRO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), UPRO annualized +32.59% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPRO or VTI?
UPRO has been the more volatile fund at 44.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UPRO -76.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UPRO and VTI?
UPRO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between UPRO and VTI?
UPRO and VTI share 456 common holdings with a 44.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPRO or VTI?
UPRO yields 0.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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