USD vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Semiconductors vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. USD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.39% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +45.64% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +82.05% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +98.06% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +54.54% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 54.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
USD vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Semiconductors (USD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USD returned +82.05% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, USD is up 45.64% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, USD compounded at +98.06% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +54.54% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, USD has the edge at +27.10% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 54.4% 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 -89.3% for USD 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USD 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, USD currently yields 0.39% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
USD and VYM share 9 holdings out of 631 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USD or VYM?
USD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USD or VYM?
Over the past year USD returned +82.05% vs +22.36% for VYM, so USD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), USD annualized +27.10% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USD or VYM?
USD has been the more volatile fund at 54.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: USD -89.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both USD and VYM?
USD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USD and VYM?
USD and VYM share 9 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 631 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USD or VYM?
USD yields 0.39% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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