SMDD vs VOO
ProShares UltraPro Short MidCap400 vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Which is better, SMDD or VOO?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.81, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDD | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $2M | $1.0T |
| Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 5 | 506 |
| YTD Return | -22.15% | +13.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | -28.89% | +17.55%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -36.67% | +22.46%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -26.86% | +13.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 51.7% | 14.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -34.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $2,093 | $18,654Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 9, 2010 to Oct 14, 2026 (16.1 years).
SMDD vs VOO growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.1 years both funds cover.
SMDD vs VOO Performance
ProShares UltraPro Short MidCap400 (SMDD) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDD returned -28.89% while VOO returned +17.55%. Year to date, SMDD is down 22.15% versus a gain of 13.57% for VOO.
Over three years, SMDD compounded at -36.67% per year against +22.46% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -26.86% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.40% annualized vs -38.39%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 51.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.81. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDD 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, SMDD currently yields 3.63% against 1.06% for VOO.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SMDD and VOO you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDD or VOO?
SMDD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SMDD or VOO?
Over the past year SMDD returned -28.89% vs +17.55% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMDD annualized -38.39% vs +13.40% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SMDD or VOO?
SMDD has been the more volatile fund at 51.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO.
Should I hold both SMDD and VOO?
SMDD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDD or VOO?
SMDD yields 3.63% while VOO yields 1.06%, so SMDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VOO better than SMDD?
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.81, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.