VOO vs YCS
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. YCS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | YCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $32M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +7.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +23.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +16.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +23.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -49.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Nov 24, 2008 |
VOO vs YCS Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Yen ETF (YCS) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% while YCS returned +23.63%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.79% versus a gain of 7.04% for YCS.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.78% per year against +16.39% for YCS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +23.20% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +6.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO and -49.6% for YCS. 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while YCS charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for YCS.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and YCS 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, VOO or YCS?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YCS charges 0.95%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or YCS?
Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% vs +23.63% for YCS, so YCS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.57% vs +6.44% for YCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or YCS?
YCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs YCS -49.6%.
Should I hold both VOO and YCS?
VOO and YCS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and YCS?
VOO and YCS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or YCS?
VOO yields 1.09% while YCS yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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