UPW vs VTI
ProShares Ultra Utilities vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UPW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.28% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.63% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.92% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.55% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
UPW vs VTI Performance
ProShares Ultra Utilities (UPW) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPW returned +0.63% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, UPW is up 0.28% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, UPW compounded at +19.92% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.55% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.8% 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 -79.5% for UPW 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPW 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, UPW currently yields 1.48% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UPW and VTI share 28 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UPW or VTI?
UPW 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, UPW or VTI?
Over the past year UPW returned +0.63% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), UPW annualized +7.49% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPW or VTI?
UPW has been the more volatile fund at 29.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UPW -79.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UPW and VTI?
UPW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPW and VTI?
UPW and VTI share 28 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPW or VTI?
UPW yields 1.48% while VTI yields 1.07%, so UPW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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