UYG vs VOO
UYG vs VOO
ProShares Ultra Financials 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UYG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $827M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.47% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +5.79% | +11.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.59% | +21.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.20% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.99% | +13.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
UYG vs VOO Performance
ProShares Ultra Financials (UYG) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UYG returned +16.59% while VOO returned +21.46%. Year to date, UYG is up 5.79% versus a gain of 11.51% for VOO.
Over three years, UYG compounded at +31.20% per year against +20.86% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.99% and +13.01% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs +0.14%. 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 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 -98.0% for UYG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UYG charges 0.94% per year while VOO 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 12.47% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
UYG and VOO share 72 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in UYG | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM | 6.82% | 1.26% | 5.56% |
| V | 4.47% | 0.87% | 3.60% |
| MA | 3.24% | 0.64% | 2.60% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AXP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCHW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings UYG shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UYG or VOO?
UYG has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UYG or VOO?
Over the past year UYG returned +16.59% vs +21.46% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UYG annualized +0.14% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UYG or VOO?
UYG has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: UYG -98.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both UYG and VOO?
UYG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UYG and VOO?
UYG and VOO share 72 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UYG or VOO?
UYG yields 12.47% while VOO yields 1.09%, so UYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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