DOG vs. SPXU

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

DOG (ProShares Short Dow30) and SPXU (ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500) are both exchange-traded funds - DOG is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the DJ Industrial Average (-100%), while SPXU is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DOG returned -11.29%/yr vs -41.94%/yr for SPXU. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DOG charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for SPXU.

Performance

DOG vs. SPXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Short Dow30 (DOG) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DOG achieves a -5.56% return, which is significantly higher than SPXU's -24.14% return. Over the past 10 years, DOG has outperformed SPXU with an annualized return of -11.29%, while SPXU has yielded a comparatively lower -41.94% annualized return.

DOG

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -2.30%
• YTD: -5.56%
• 6M: -5.28%
• 1Y: -14.93%
• 3Y*: -8.33%
• 5Y*: -6.39%
• 10Y*: -11.29%

SPXU

• 1D: -2.83%
• 1M: -2.22%
• YTD: -24.14%
• 6M: -24.36%
• 1Y: -48.32%
• 3Y*: -40.98%
• 5Y*: -35.18%
• 10Y*: -41.94%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DOG vs. SPXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DOG ProShares Short Dow30	-5.56%	-8.40%	-5.62%	-7.05%	5.67%	-19.21%	-20.45%	-18.43%	3.55%	-21.51%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	-24.14%	-41.73%	-43.31%	-46.02%	36.05%	-57.94%	-70.39%	-56.27%	3.97%	-44.23%

Correlation

The correlation between DOG and SPXU is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2009	0.92

The correlation between DOG and SPXU shifts across timeframes, from 0.81 (1 year) to 0.92 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DOG vs. SPXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DOG	SPXU
Financial Services	82.9%	82.5%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DOG vs. SPXU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DOG

DOG Risk / Return Rank: 1
DOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
DOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
DOG Omega Ratio Rank: 1
DOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
DOG Martin Ratio Rank: 1

SPXU

SPXU Risk / Return Rank: 1
SPXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
SPXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 0
SPXU Omega Ratio Rank: 0
SPXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SPXU Martin Ratio Rank: 1

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DOG vs. SPXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short Dow30 (DOG) and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DOG	SPXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.20	-1.29	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.64	-2.16	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	0.77	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.95	-0.95	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.59	-1.54	-0.05

DOG vs. SPXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DOG Sharpe Ratio is -1.20, which is comparable to the SPXU Sharpe Ratio of -1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DOG and SPXU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DOG vs. SPXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DOG drawdown since its inception was -92.79%, smaller than the maximum SPXU drawdown of -99.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DOG and SPXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DOG	SPXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-92.79%	-99.99%	+7.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.74%	-50.35%	+34.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.71%	-84.36%	+54.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.86%	-90.23%	+55.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-71.17%	-99.63%	+28.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-92.72%	-99.99%	+7.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-66.43%	-93.33%	+26.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.38%	31.06%	-21.68%

Volatility

DOG vs. SPXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares Short Dow30 (DOG) is 4.32%, while ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU) has a volatility of 13.98%. This indicates that DOG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DOG	SPXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.32%	13.98%	-9.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.87%	29.47%	-19.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	37.08%	-24.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.85%	50.60%	-35.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.52%	53.51%	-35.99%

DOG vs. SPXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DOG has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SPXU's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

DOG vs. SPXU - Dividend Comparison

DOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, less than SPXU's 7.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DOG ProShares Short Dow30	3.54%	3.65%	5.72%	4.54%	0.41%	0.00%	0.14%	1.54%	0.86%	0.04%
SPXU ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500	7.74%	7.02%	9.53%	7.06%	0.39%	0.00%	0.70%	2.14%	1.41%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DOG and SPXU in my portfolio?

DOG and SPXU have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DOG or SPXU?

SPXU has higher volatility (13.98%) compared to DOG (4.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DOG dropped -92.79% vs SPXU's -99.99%.

Which ETF is better, DOG or SPXU?

On 10-year performance, DOG leads with -11.29% vs -41.94% for SPXU. On fees, SPXU is cheaper at 0.90% per year. On volatility, DOG has been the lower-risk option at 4.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DOG or SPXU?

Over the 10-year period, DOG has performed better with a -11.29% return vs -41.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DOG or SPXU?

SPXU is cheaper with a 0.90% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for DOG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DOG or SPXU?

SPXU has the higher dividend yield at 7.74%, compared with 3.54% for DOG.

What is the main difference between DOG and SPXU?

DOG is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SPXU is S&P 500. DOG tracks DJ Industrial Average (-100%), while SPXU tracks S&P 500 Index (-300%). Their fees differ too: 0.95% for DOG and 0.90% for SPXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-1.20 vs -1.29), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.