SMOG vs. YCS
SMOG (VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF) and YCS (ProShares UltraShort Yen) are both exchange-traded funds - SMOG is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while YCS is a Leveraged Currency fund tracking the USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMOG returned 13.03%/yr vs 13.69%/yr for YCS. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMOG charges 0.61%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for YCS.
Performance
SMOG vs. YCS - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SMOG having a 9.94% return and YCS slightly higher at 10.02%. Over the past 10 years, SMOG has underperformed YCS with an annualized return of 13.03%, while YCS has yielded a comparatively higher 13.69% annualized return.
SMOG
- 1D
- -0.59%
- 1M
- -7.54%
- YTD
- 9.94%
- 6M
- 8.34%
- 1Y
- 31.97%
- 3Y*
- 8.19%
- 5Y*
- -0.71%
- 10Y*
- 13.03%
YCS
- 1D
- -0.03%
- 1M
- 3.72%
- YTD
- 10.02%
- 6M
- 11.23%
- 1Y
- 33.37%
- 3Y*
- 18.65%
- 5Y*
- 23.64%
- 10Y*
- 13.69%
SMOG vs. YCS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF | 9.94% | 33.36% | -9.33% | 1.42% | -29.92% | -2.75% | 118.38% | 38.86% | -10.18% | 22.69% |
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen | 10.02% | 9.04% | 35.41% | 28.70% | 29.09% | 22.38% | -11.18% | 3.37% | -1.49% | -6.57% |
Correlation
The correlation between SMOG and YCS is -0.22, 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 | -0.22 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.20 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.15 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.01 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 25, 2008 | 0.09 |
The correlation between SMOG and YCS shifts across timeframes, from -0.22 (1 year) to 0.09 (all time), 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
SMOG vs. YCS — Risk / Return Rank
SMOG
YCS
SMOG vs. YCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS). 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.
| SMOG | YCS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.50 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.51 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.26 | 1.37 | -0.11 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.84 | 4.04 | -1.20 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.98 | 12.75 | -3.77 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
SMOG vs. YCS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SMOG drawdown since its inception was -84.39%, which is greater than YCS's maximum drawdown of -49.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMOG and YCS.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| SMOG | YCS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -84.39% | -49.56% | -34.83% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.32% | -8.30% | -3.02% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -28.72% | -23.05% | -5.67% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -47.86% | -27.32% | -20.54% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -51.10% | -27.32% | -23.78% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -20.55% | -0.03% | -20.52% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -52.36% | -19.86% | -32.50% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.57% | 2.63% | +0.94% |
Volatility
SMOG vs. YCS - Volatility Comparison
VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) has a higher volatility of 8.97% compared to ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS) at 2.26%. This indicates that SMOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than YCS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| SMOG | YCS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.97% | 2.26% | +6.71% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 17.30% | 11.87% | +5.43% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 21.62% | 16.83% | +4.79% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 25.36% | 21.10% | +4.26% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 25.73% | 18.82% | +6.91% |
SMOG vs. YCS - Expense Ratio Comparison
SMOG has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is lower than YCS's 1.00% expense ratio.
Dividends
SMOG vs. YCS - Dividend Comparison
SMOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%, while YCS has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF | 1.43% | 1.57% | 1.64% | 1.58% | 1.32% | 0.44% | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.62% | 1.25% | 2.12% | 0.56% |
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
SMOG and YCS have a correlation of -0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SMOG has higher volatility (8.97%) compared to YCS (2.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMOG dropped -84.39% vs YCS's -49.56%.
On 10-year performance, YCS leads with 13.69% vs 13.03% for SMOG. On fees, SMOG is cheaper at 0.61% per year. On volatility, YCS has been the lower-risk option at 2.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, YCS has performed better with a 13.69% return vs 13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
SMOG is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for YCS.
SMOG has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 0.00% for YCS.
SMOG is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while YCS is Leveraged Currency. SMOG tracks MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while YCS tracks USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). They also come from different issuers: VanEck and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for SMOG and 1.00% for YCS.
YCS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.49), 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 SMOG and YCS
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