UST vs VTI
ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury 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 | UST | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -4.10% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.84% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.68% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.14% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
UST vs VTI Performance
ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury (UST) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UST returned -0.84% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, UST is down 4.10% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, UST compounded at +1.68% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -8.14% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs +1.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UST 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, UST currently yields 3.64% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UST and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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 VTI?
UST 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, UST or VTI?
Over the past year UST returned -0.84% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), UST annualized +1.59% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UST or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for UST. Worst drawdown: UST -48.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UST and VTI?
UST and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UST and VTI?
UST and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UST or VTI?
UST yields 3.64% while VTI yields 1.07%, so UST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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