SDD vs. SARK

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

SDD (ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600) and SARK (Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF) are both Inverse Equities funds. SDD is passively managed, while SARK is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SDD returned -24.65%/yr vs -28.73%/yr for SARK. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SDD charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for SARK.

Performance

SDD vs. SARK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) and Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDD achieves a -32.06% return, which is significantly lower than SARK's -10.51% return.

SDD

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: -2.88%
• 6M: -25.07%
• YTD: -32.06%
• 1Y: -40.76%
• 3Y*: -24.65%
• 5Y*: -17.22%
• 10Y*: -26.98%

SARK

• 1D: 1.54%
• 1M: -6.40%
• 6M: -6.23%
• YTD: -10.51%
• 1Y: -19.66%
• 3Y*: -28.73%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDD vs. SARK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SDD ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600	-32.06%	-14.69%	-13.60%	-25.99%	20.50%	6.30%
SARK Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF	-10.51%	-25.93%	-36.90%	-46.32%	83.35%	24.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SDD and SARK is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2021	0.70

The correlation between SDD and SARK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SDD vs. SARK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDD

SDD Risk / Return Rank: 1
SDD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
SDD Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SDD Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SDD Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
SDD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

SARK

SARK Risk / Return Rank: 4
SARK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SARK Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
SARK Omega Ratio Rank: 5
SARK Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
SARK Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

SDD vs. SARK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) and Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK). 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.

	SDD	SARK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.10	-0.51	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.58	-0.54	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	0.94	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.83	-0.70	-0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.45	-1.23	-0.22

SDD vs. SARK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDD Sharpe Ratio is -1.10, which is lower than the SARK Sharpe Ratio of -0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDD and SARK, 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

SDD vs. SARK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDD drawdown since its inception was -99.94%, which is greater than SARK's maximum drawdown of -81.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDD and SARK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDD	SARK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.94%	-81.07%	-18.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.71%	-26.34%	-21.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-69.10%	-74.42%	+5.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-71.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-96.11%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.94%	-80.25%	-19.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-86.96%	-47.13%	-39.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	27.29%	14.82%	+12.47%

Volatility

SDD vs. SARK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) is 8.95%, while Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF (SARK) has a volatility of 10.21%. This indicates that SDD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SARK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDD	SARK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.95%	10.21%	-1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.79%	26.73%	-1.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.96%	35.96%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.10%	55.94%	-12.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	45.02%	55.94%	-10.92%

SDD vs. SARK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDD has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than SARK's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDD vs. SARK - Dividend Comparison

SDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.33%, more than SARK's 3.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SARK Tradr Short Innovation Daily ETF	3.15%	2.82%	15.49%	12.57%	25.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDD ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600	6.33%	5.07%	4.34%	3.84%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%	1.20%	0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDD and SARK in my portfolio?

SDD and SARK have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDD or SARK?

SARK has higher volatility (10.21%) compared to SDD (8.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDD dropped -99.94% vs SARK's -81.07%.

Which ETF is better, SDD or SARK?

On 3-year performance, SDD leads with -24.65% vs -28.73% for SARK. On fees, SARK is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, SDD has been the lower-risk option at 8.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDD or SARK?

Over the 3-year period, SDD has performed better with a -24.65% return vs -28.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDD or SARK?

SARK is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SDD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDD or SARK?

SDD has the higher dividend yield at 6.33%, compared with 3.15% for SARK.

What is the main difference between SDD and SARK?

They also come from different issuers: ProShares and AXS. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SDD and 0.75% for SARK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SARK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.51 vs -1.10), 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.