UST vs VOO
ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UST | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -4.10% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.84% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.68% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.14% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
UST vs VOO Performance
ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury (UST) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UST returned -0.84% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, UST is down 4.10% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, UST compounded at +1.68% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -8.14% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +1.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.6% for UST. 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 -48.1% for UST and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UST charges 0.95% per year while VOO 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, UST currently yields 3.64% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
UST and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UST or VOO?
UST has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UST or VOO?
Over the past year UST returned -0.84% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UST annualized +1.59% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UST or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.6% for UST. Worst drawdown: UST -48.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both UST and VOO?
UST and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UST and VOO?
UST and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UST or VOO?
UST yields 3.64% while VOO yields 1.08%, so UST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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