SRTY vs. VB

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

SRTY (ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000) and VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SRTY is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Index (-300%), while VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SRTY returned -43.29%/yr vs 11.12%/yr for VB. At a correlation of -0.98, they often move in opposite directions. SRTY charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VB.

Performance

SRTY vs. VB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SRTY achieves a -45.32% return, which is significantly lower than VB's 15.87% return. Over the past 10 years, SRTY has underperformed VB with an annualized return of -43.29%, while VB has yielded a comparatively higher 11.12% annualized return.

SRTY

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -2.05%
• 6M: -34.59%
• YTD: -45.32%
• 1Y: -61.31%
• 3Y*: -43.61%
• 5Y*: -33.31%
• 10Y*: -43.29%

VB

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 0.47%
• 6M: 9.68%
• YTD: 15.87%
• 1Y: 23.75%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 7.99%
• 10Y*: 11.12%

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

SRTY vs. VB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SRTY ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000	-45.32%	-40.55%	-32.91%	-42.02%	28.99%	-51.67%	-80.61%	-53.83%	23.37%	-38.31%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	15.87%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%

Correlation

The correlation between SRTY and VB is -0.96, 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	-0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2010	-0.98

The correlation between SRTY and VB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.98 to -0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

SRTY vs. VB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SRTY	VB
Financial Services	45.6%	12.3%
Basic Materials	-	4.7%
Communication Services	-	3.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.1%
Energy	-	4.2%
Healthcare	-	11.3%
Industrials	-	20.6%
Real Estate	-	7.5%
Technology	-	19.4%
Utilities	-	3.1%

Return for Risk

SRTY vs. VB — Risk / Return Rank

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

SRTY

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 58
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

SRTY vs. VB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB). 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.

	SRTY	VB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.06	1.44	-2.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.77	2.11	-3.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	1.25	-0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.91	2.66	-3.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.40	9.71	-11.10

SRTY vs. VB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SRTY Sharpe Ratio is -1.06, which is lower than the VB Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SRTY and VB, 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

SRTY vs. VB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SRTY drawdown since its inception was -100.00%, which is greater than VB's maximum drawdown of -59.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SRTY and VB.

Drawdown Indicators

	SRTY	VB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-100.00%	-59.56%	-40.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.43%	-8.98%	-58.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-89.67%	-25.36%	-64.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-92.04%	-28.15%	-63.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-99.70%	-42.05%	-57.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-100.00%	-2.06%	-97.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-94.16%	-8.40%	-85.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	43.94%	2.46%	+41.48%

Volatility

SRTY vs. VB - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) has a higher volatility of 11.79% compared to Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) at 3.50%. This indicates that SRTY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SRTY	VB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.79%	3.50%	+8.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.69%	12.06%	+30.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	58.23%	16.56%	+41.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	67.52%	20.75%	+46.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	68.25%	21.37%	+46.88%

SRTY vs. VB - Expense Ratio Comparison

SRTY has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VB's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

SRTY vs. VB - Dividend Comparison

SRTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.40%, more than VB's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SRTY ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000	8.40%	6.87%	9.40%	4.93%	0.17%	0.00%	0.95%	2.13%	0.70%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.21%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SRTY and VB in my portfolio?

SRTY and VB have a correlation of -0.96, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SRTY or VB?

SRTY has higher volatility (11.79%) compared to VB (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SRTY dropped -100.00% vs VB's -59.56%.

Which ETF is better, SRTY or VB?

On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.12% vs -43.29% for SRTY. On fees, VB is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SRTY or VB?

Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.12% return vs -43.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SRTY or VB?

VB is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SRTY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SRTY or VB?

SRTY has the higher dividend yield at 8.40%, compared with 1.21% for VB.

What is the main difference between SRTY and VB?

SRTY is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VB is Small Cap Blend Equities. SRTY tracks Russell 2000 Index (-300%), while VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for SRTY and 0.05% for VB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs -1.06), 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.