SMN vs. VT
SMN (ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials) and VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMN is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index (-200%), while VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMN returned -24.19%/yr vs 12.39%/yr for VT. At a correlation of -0.79, they often move in opposite directions. SMN charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VT.
Performance
SMN vs. VT - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, SMN achieves a -21.35% return, which is significantly lower than VT's 11.12% return. Over the past 10 years, SMN has underperformed VT with an annualized return of -24.19%, while VT has yielded a comparatively higher 12.39% annualized return.
SMN
- 1D
- 1.63%
- 1M
- 5.80%
- 6M
- -10.07%
- YTD
- -21.35%
- 1Y
- -19.91%
- 3Y*
- -12.88%
- 5Y*
- -16.05%
- 10Y*
- -24.19%
VT
- 1D
- -1.15%
- 1M
- 0.05%
- 6M
- 7.92%
- YTD
- 11.12%
- 1Y
- 22.67%
- 3Y*
- 18.64%
- 5Y*
- 10.55%
- 10Y*
- 12.39%
SMN vs. VT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SMN ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials | -21.35% | -17.96% | 7.37% | -20.23% | -3.03% | -45.83% | -55.75% | -33.63% | 32.74% | -38.03% |
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF | 11.12% | 22.43% | 16.49% | 22.02% | -18.00% | 18.27% | 16.59% | 26.81% | -9.76% | 24.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between SMN and VT is -0.60, 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 | -0.60 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.68 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.74 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.76 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2008 | -0.79 |
The correlation between SMN and VT shifts across timeframes, from -0.79 (all time) to -0.60 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
SMN vs. VT — Risk / Return Rank
SMN
VT
SMN vs. VT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials (SMN) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT). 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 | VT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -2.23 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.96 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.93 | 1.30 | -0.37 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.52 | 2.35 | -2.87 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.85 | 10.04 | -10.88 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
SMN vs. VT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SMN drawdown since its inception was -99.92%, which is greater than VT's maximum drawdown of -50.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMN and VT.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| SMN | VT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -99.92% | -50.27% | -49.65% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -38.52% | -9.67% | -28.85% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -53.71% | -16.51% | -37.20% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -66.05% | -26.38% | -39.67% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -94.78% | -34.24% | -60.54% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -99.91% | -1.87% | -98.04% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -90.58% | -6.99% | -83.59% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 23.56% | 2.26% | +21.30% |
Volatility
SMN vs. VT - Volatility Comparison
ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials (SMN) has a higher volatility of 12.52% compared to Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) at 4.77%. This indicates that SMN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| SMN | VT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 12.52% | 4.77% | +7.75% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 28.17% | 11.47% | +16.70% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 35.48% | 13.68% | +21.80% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 39.70% | 16.20% | +23.50% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 42.83% | 17.16% | +25.67% |
SMN vs. VT - Expense Ratio Comparison
SMN has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VT's 0.06% expense ratio.
Dividends
SMN vs. VT - Dividend Comparison
SMN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, more than VT's 1.59% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SMN ProShares UltraShort Basic Materials | 3.55% | 4.08% | 5.02% | 4.54% | 0.42% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.72% | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF | 1.59% | 1.82% | 1.95% | 2.08% | 2.20% | 1.82% | 1.66% | 2.32% | 2.53% | 2.11% | 2.39% | 2.45% |
Frequently Asked Questions
SMN and VT have a correlation of -0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SMN has higher volatility (12.52%) compared to VT (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMN dropped -99.92% vs VT's -50.27%.
On 10-year performance, VT leads with 12.39% vs -24.19% for SMN. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VT has been the lower-risk option at 4.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VT has performed better with a 12.39% return vs -24.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SMN.
SMN has the higher dividend yield at 3.55%, compared with 1.59% for VT.
SMN is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VT is Global Equities. SMN tracks Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Index (-200%), while VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SMN and 0.06% for VT.
VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs -0.56), 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.
Find the right allocation for SMN and VT
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer