SDD vs. SVIX

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

SDD (ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600) and SVIX (-1x Short VIX Futures ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDD is a Inverse Equities fund tracking the S&P Small Cap 600 (-200%), while SVIX is a Volatility fund tracking the Short VIX Futures Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SDD returned -24.65%/yr vs -3.07%/yr for SVIX. At a correlation of -0.63, they often move in opposite directions. SDD charges 0.95%/yr vs 1.47%/yr for SVIX.

Performance

SDD vs. SVIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) and -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX). 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 SVIX's 2.64% 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%

SVIX

• 1D: 2.22%
• 1M: 12.74%
• 6M: -0.12%
• YTD: 2.64%
• 1Y: 51.19%
• 3Y*: -3.07%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDD vs. SVIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SDD ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600	-32.06%	-14.69%	-13.60%	-25.99%	17.77%
SVIX -1x Short VIX Futures ETF	2.64%	-4.49%	-32.76%	157.37%	-1.48%

Correlation

The correlation between SDD and SVIX is -0.61, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	-0.63

The correlation between SDD and SVIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.63 to -0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SDD vs. SVIX — 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

SVIX

SVIX Risk / Return Rank: 31
SVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
SVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
SVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
SVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. SVIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) and -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX). 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	SVIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.10	0.92	-2.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.58	1.43	-3.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	1.20	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.83	1.19	-2.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.45	3.39	-4.83

SDD vs. SVIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDD Sharpe Ratio is -1.10, which is lower than the SVIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDD and SVIX, 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. SVIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDD drawdown since its inception was -99.94%, which is greater than SVIX's maximum drawdown of -79.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDD and SVIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDD	SVIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.94%	-79.30%	-20.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.71%	-42.69%	-5.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-69.10%	-79.30%	+10.20%
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%	-50.98%	-48.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-86.96%	-32.11%	-54.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	27.29%	14.99%	+12.30%

Volatility

SDD vs. SVIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600 (SDD) is 8.95%, while -1x Short VIX Futures ETF (SVIX) has a volatility of 14.74%. This indicates that SDD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SVIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDD	SVIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.95%	14.74%	-5.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.79%	43.53%	-18.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.96%	55.21%	-19.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.10%	65.96%	-22.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	45.02%	65.96%	-20.94%

SDD vs. SVIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDD has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is lower than SVIX's 1.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDD vs. SVIX - Dividend Comparison

SDD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.33%, while SVIX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SDD ProShares UltraShort SmallCap600	6.33%	5.07%	4.34%	3.84%	0.33%	0.00%	0.00%	1.20%	0.52%
SVIX -1x Short VIX Futures ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDD and SVIX in my portfolio?

SDD and SVIX have a correlation of -0.61, 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 SVIX?

SVIX has higher volatility (14.74%) compared to SDD (8.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDD dropped -99.94% vs SVIX's -79.30%.

Which ETF is better, SDD or SVIX?

On 3-year performance, SVIX leads with -3.07% vs -24.65% for SDD. On fees, SDD is cheaper at 0.95% 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 SVIX?

Over the 3-year period, SVIX has performed better with a -3.07% return vs -24.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDD or SVIX?

SDD is cheaper with a 0.95% expense ratio, compared with 1.47% for SVIX.

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

SDD has the higher dividend yield at 6.33%, compared with 0.00% for SVIX.

What is the main difference between SDD and SVIX?

SDD is categorized as Inverse Equities, while SVIX is Volatility. SDD tracks S&P Small Cap 600 (-200%), while SVIX tracks Short VIX Futures Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Volatility Shares. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SDD and 1.47% for SVIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.92 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.