UPRO vs VYM
ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UPRO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UPRO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +28.84% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.50% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.61% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.51% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UPRO vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraPro S&P 500 (UPRO) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPRO returned +53.50% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, UPRO is up 28.84% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, UPRO compounded at +49.61% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +18.51% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, UPRO has the edge at +32.59% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 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 -76.8% for UPRO 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 0.91. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $4 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPRO currently yields 0.37% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UPRO and VYM share 241 holdings out of 866 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPRO or VYM?
UPRO has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPRO or VYM?
Over the past year UPRO returned +53.50% vs +23.24% for VYM, so UPRO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), UPRO annualized +32.59% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPRO or VYM?
UPRO has been the more volatile fund at 44.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UPRO -76.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UPRO and VYM?
UPRO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VYM?
UPRO and VYM share 241 common holdings with a 15.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPRO or VYM?
UPRO yields 0.37% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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