SMN vs. NRGU

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

SMN (ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials) and NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) are both Leveraged Equities funds - SMN tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index (-200%) while NRGU tracks the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SMN returned -20.05% vs 143.73% for NRGU. At a correlation of -0.19, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

SMN vs. NRGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials (SMN) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMN achieves a -19.90% return, which is significantly lower than NRGU's 147.63% return.

SMN

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 6.34%
• 6M: -9.45%
• YTD: -19.90%
• 1Y: -20.05%
• 3Y*: -12.05%
• 5Y*: -16.15%
• 10Y*: -24.12%
• ALL TIME*: -27.55%

NRGU

• 1D: 4.67%
• 1M: 49.07%
• 6M: 118.31%
• YTD: 147.63%
• 1Y: 143.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 47.61%

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

SMN vs. NRGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SMN ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials	-19.90%	-6.78%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	147.63%	-30.00%

Correlation

The correlation between SMN and NRGU is -0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	-0.19

The correlation between SMN and NRGU shifts across timeframes, from -0.19 (all time) to -0.06 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SMN vs. NRGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMN

SMN Risk / Return Rank: 5
SMN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SMN Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
SMN Omega Ratio Rank: 5
SMN Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
SMN Martin Ratio Rank: 6

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 69
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 63
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
NRGU Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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.

SMN vs. NRGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials (SMN) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU). 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.

	SMN	NRGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.57	1.88	-2.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.64	2.29	-2.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.29	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.52	3.29	-3.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.84	7.35	-8.19

SMN vs. NRGU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMN Sharpe Ratio is -0.57, which is lower than the NRGU Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMN and NRGU, 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

SMN vs. NRGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMN drawdown since its inception was -99.92%, which is greater than NRGU's maximum drawdown of -57.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMN and NRGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMN	NRGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.92%	-57.50%	-42.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.52%	-43.89%	+5.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-53.71%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.05%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-94.78%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.91%	-14.59%	-85.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-90.59%	-25.98%	-64.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	24.05%	19.63%	+4.42%

Volatility

SMN vs. NRGU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials (SMN) is 9.80%, while MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) has a volatility of 22.33%. This indicates that SMN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NRGU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMN	NRGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.80%	22.33%	-12.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.13%	63.72%	-35.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	35.26%	77.11%	-41.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.60%	88.94%	-49.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	42.84%	88.94%	-46.10%

SMN vs. NRGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SMN and NRGU have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

SMN vs. NRGU - Dividend Comparison

SMN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, while NRGU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMN ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials	3.49%	4.08%	5.02%	4.54%	0.42%	0.00%	0.00%	0.72%	0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMN and NRGU in my portfolio?

SMN and NRGU have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMN or NRGU?

NRGU has higher volatility (22.33%) compared to SMN (9.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMN dropped -99.92% vs NRGU's -57.50%.

Which ETF is better, SMN or NRGU?

On 1-year performance, NRGU leads with 143.73% vs -20.05% for SMN. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, SMN has been the lower-risk option at 9.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMN or NRGU?

Over the 1-year period, NRGU has performed better with a 143.73% return vs -20.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMN or NRGU?

SMN and NRGU have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMN or NRGU?

SMN has the higher dividend yield at 3.49%, compared with 0.00% for NRGU.

What is the main difference between SMN and NRGU?

SMN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index (-200%), while NRGU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). They also come from different issuers: ProShares and BMO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NRGU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs -0.57), 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.