USML vs. UGL

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

USML (ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN) and UGL (ProShares Ultra Gold) are both exchange-traded funds - USML is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while UGL is a Leveraged Commodities fund tracking the Bloomberg Gold Subindex (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USML returned 7.85%/yr vs 25.50%/yr for UGL. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

USML vs. UGL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USML achieves a 1.71% return, which is significantly higher than UGL's -7.82% return.

USML

• 1D: -1.73%
• 1M: 3.16%
• YTD: 1.71%
• 6M: 1.67%
• 1Y: 1.50%
• 3Y*: 16.28%
• 5Y*: 7.85%
• 10Y*: —

UGL

• 1D: -7.30%
• 1M: -17.17%
• YTD: -7.82%
• 6M: -3.83%
• 1Y: 46.42%
• 3Y*: 49.47%
• 5Y*: 25.50%
• 10Y*: 17.75%

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

USML vs. UGL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	1.71%	9.33%	23.97%	11.37%	-22.87%	42.12%
UGL ProShares Ultra Gold	-7.82%	137.57%	46.36%	15.56%	-7.59%	-2.14%

Correlation

The correlation between USML and UGL is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2021	0.15

Return for Risk

USML vs. UGL — Risk / Return Rank

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

USML

USML Risk / Return Rank: 12
USML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
USML Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
USML Omega Ratio Rank: 11
USML Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
USML Martin Ratio Rank: 12

UGL

UGL Risk / Return Rank: 24
UGL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
UGL Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
UGL Omega Ratio Rank: 28
UGL Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
UGL Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

USML vs. UGL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL). 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.

	USML	UGL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.18	0.80	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.36	1.26	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.19	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.22	1.06	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.67	2.56	-1.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USML vs. UGL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USML Sharpe Ratio is 0.18, which is lower than the UGL Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USML and UGL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	USML	UGL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18	0.80	-0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32	0.70	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.38	+0.05

Drawdowns

USML vs. UGL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USML drawdown since its inception was -35.34%, smaller than the maximum UGL drawdown of -75.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USML and UGL.

Drawdown Indicators

	USML	UGL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.34%	-75.93%	+40.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.09%	-40.22%	+27.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.14%	-40.22%	+21.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.34%	-40.23%	+4.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.23%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.86%	-40.22%	+35.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.40%	-43.63%	+33.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.35%	16.70%	-12.35%

Volatility

USML vs. UGL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) is 4.58%, while ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL) has a volatility of 11.42%. This indicates that USML experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than UGL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USML	UGL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	11.42%	-6.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.57%	47.43%	-35.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.45%	53.42%	-36.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.47%	36.32%	-11.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.29%	32.42%	-8.13%

USML vs. UGL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both USML and UGL have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

USML vs. UGL - Dividend Comparison

Neither USML nor UGL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USML and UGL in my portfolio?

USML and UGL have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USML or UGL?

UGL has higher volatility (11.42%) compared to USML (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USML dropped -35.34% vs UGL's -75.93%.

Which ETF is better, USML or UGL?

On 5-year performance, UGL leads with 25.50% vs 7.85% for USML. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, USML has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USML or UGL?

Over the 5-year period, UGL has performed better with a 25.50% return vs 7.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USML or UGL?

USML and UGL have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USML or UGL?

USML and UGL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between USML and UGL?

USML is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while UGL is Leveraged Commodities. USML tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while UGL tracks Bloomberg Gold Subindex (200%). They also come from different issuers: UBS and ProShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UGL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 vs 0.18), 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.