UYG vs VTI
ProShares Ultra Financials 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 | UYG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $856M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.14% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.94% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.57% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.83% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.23% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
UYG vs VTI Performance
ProShares Ultra Financials (UYG) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UYG returned +13.57% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, UYG is up 5.94% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, UYG compounded at +34.83% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.23% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +0.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.2% 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 -98.0% for UYG 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UYG charges 0.94% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $3 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UYG currently yields 11.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UYG and VTI share 71 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UYG or VTI?
UYG has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UYG or VTI?
Over the past year UYG returned +13.57% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), UYG annualized +0.15% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UYG or VTI?
UYG has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UYG -98.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UYG and VTI?
UYG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UYG and VTI?
UYG and VTI share 71 common holdings with a 8.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UYG or VTI?
UYG yields 11.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so UYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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