SVOL vs. VIXM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SVOL (Simplify Volatility Premium ETF) and VIXM (ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF) are both Volatility funds. SVOL is actively managed, while VIXM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SVOL returned 6.71%/yr vs -14.38%/yr for VIXM. At a correlation of -0.77, they often move in opposite directions. SVOL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for VIXM.

Performance

SVOL vs. VIXM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) and ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SVOL achieves a 2.12% return, which is significantly higher than VIXM's -5.83% return.

SVOL

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 2.98%
• 6M: -0.27%
• YTD: 2.12%
• 1Y: 12.85%
• 3Y*: 6.02%
• 5Y*: 6.71%
• 10Y*: —

VIXM

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: -5.64%
• 6M: -3.49%
• YTD: -5.83%
• 1Y: -13.43%
• 3Y*: -9.98%
• 5Y*: -14.38%
• 10Y*: -11.64%

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

SVOL vs. VIXM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SVOL Simplify Volatility Premium ETF	2.12%	2.41%	6.77%	22.88%	-3.30%	12.70%
VIXM ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF	-5.83%	5.60%	-13.67%	-44.83%	-0.69%	-17.56%

Correlation

The correlation between SVOL and VIXM is -0.72, 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	-0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2021	-0.77

The correlation between SVOL and VIXM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.77 to -0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SVOL vs. VIXM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SVOL

SVOL Risk / Return Rank: 27
SVOL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
SVOL Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
SVOL Omega Ratio Rank: 26
SVOL Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
SVOL Martin Ratio Rank: 29

VIXM

VIXM Risk / Return Rank: 3
VIXM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VIXM Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
VIXM Omega Ratio Rank: 4
VIXM Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VIXM Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

SVOL vs. VIXM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) and ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM). 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.

	SVOL	VIXM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	-0.72	+1.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.17	-0.91	+2.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	0.89	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	-0.70	+1.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.25	-1.46	+4.70

SVOL vs. VIXM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SVOL Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is higher than the VIXM Sharpe Ratio of -0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SVOL and VIXM, 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

SVOL vs. VIXM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SVOL drawdown since its inception was -33.50%, smaller than the maximum VIXM drawdown of -96.23%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SVOL and VIXM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SVOL	VIXM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.50%	-96.23%	+62.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.42%	-19.16%	+7.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.50%	-37.26%	+3.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.50%	-63.40%	+29.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-72.55%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-96.05%	+95.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.72%	-81.59%	+76.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.97%	9.23%	-5.26%

Volatility

SVOL vs. VIXM - Volatility Comparison

Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) has a higher volatility of 3.89% compared to ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM) at 3.55%. This indicates that SVOL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIXM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SVOL	VIXM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.89%	3.55%	+0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.39%	14.02%	-3.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.35%	18.66%	-1.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.02%	30.60%	-8.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.80%	32.63%	-10.83%

SVOL vs. VIXM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SVOL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than VIXM's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

SVOL vs. VIXM - Dividend Comparison

SVOL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 21.81%, while VIXM has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SVOL Simplify Volatility Premium ETF	21.81%	19.82%	16.79%	16.36%	18.32%	4.65%
VIXM ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SVOL and VIXM in my portfolio?

SVOL and VIXM have a correlation of -0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SVOL or VIXM?

SVOL has higher volatility (3.89%) compared to VIXM (3.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SVOL dropped -33.50% vs VIXM's -96.23%.

Which ETF is better, SVOL or VIXM?

On 5-year performance, SVOL leads with 6.71% vs -14.38% for VIXM. On fees, SVOL is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, VIXM has been the lower-risk option at 3.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SVOL or VIXM?

Over the 5-year period, SVOL has performed better with a 6.71% return vs -14.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SVOL or VIXM?

SVOL is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for VIXM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SVOL or VIXM?

SVOL has the higher dividend yield at 21.81%, compared with 0.00% for VIXM.

What is the main difference between SVOL and VIXM?

They also come from different issuers: Simplify and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SVOL and 0.85% for VIXM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SVOL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.75 vs -0.72), 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.