UVIX vs. VXX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

UVIX (2x Long VIX Futures ETF) and VXX (iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN) are both Volatility funds - UVIX tracks the Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily) while VXX tracks the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index Total Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, UVIX returned -80.58%/yr vs -38.94%/yr for VXX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. UVIX charges 2.78%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for VXX.

Performance

UVIX vs. VXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) and iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UVIX achieves a -47.76% return, which is significantly lower than VXX's -17.72% return.

UVIX

• 1D: 5.76%
• 1M: -21.08%
• 6M: -44.45%
• YTD: -47.76%
• 1Y: -84.85%
• 3Y*: -80.58%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXX

• 1D: 3.08%
• 1M: -10.00%
• 6M: -15.71%
• YTD: -17.72%
• 1Y: -51.81%
• 3Y*: -38.94%
• 5Y*: -45.73%
• 10Y*: -46.79%

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

UVIX vs. VXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
UVIX 2x Long VIX Futures ETF	-47.76%	-83.21%	-75.24%	-95.28%	-61.86%
VXX iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN	-17.72%	-42.21%	-26.22%	-72.52%	-43.18%

Correlation

The correlation between UVIX and VXX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	0.97

The correlation between UVIX and VXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

UVIX vs. VXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

UVIX

UVIX Risk / Return Rank: 2
UVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
UVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
UVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VXX

VXX Risk / Return Rank: 1
VXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
VXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
VXX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
VXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
VXX 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.

UVIX vs. VXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) and iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX). 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.

	UVIX	VXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.76	-0.93	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.59	-1.46	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.82	0.84	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.99	-0.96	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.38	-1.55	+0.17

UVIX vs. VXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UVIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.76, which is comparable to the VXX Sharpe Ratio of -0.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UVIX and VXX, 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

UVIX vs. VXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UVIX drawdown since its inception was -99.98%, roughly equal to the maximum VXX drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UVIX and VXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	UVIX	VXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.98%	-100.00%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-86.11%	-53.98%	-32.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-99.40%	-80.49%	-18.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-96.22%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.98%	-100.00%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-88.72%	-95.09%	+6.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	61.63%	33.53%	+28.10%

Volatility

UVIX vs. VXX - Volatility Comparison

2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) has a higher volatility of 27.95% compared to iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX) at 14.39%. This indicates that UVIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UVIX	VXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	27.95%	14.39%	+13.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	87.63%	43.73%	+43.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	112.73%	56.27%	+56.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	135.47%	67.95%	+67.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	135.47%	70.30%	+65.17%

UVIX vs. VXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

UVIX has a 2.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VXX's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

UVIX vs. VXX - Dividend Comparison

Neither UVIX nor VXX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UVIX and VXX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, UVIX and VXX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, UVIX or VXX?

UVIX has higher volatility (27.95%) compared to VXX (14.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UVIX dropped -99.98% vs VXX's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, UVIX or VXX?

On 3-year performance, VXX leads with -38.94% vs -80.58% for UVIX. On fees, VXX is cheaper at 0.89% per year. On volatility, VXX has been the lower-risk option at 14.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UVIX or VXX?

Over the 3-year period, VXX has performed better with a -38.94% return vs -80.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UVIX or VXX?

VXX is cheaper with a 0.89% expense ratio, compared with 2.78% for UVIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UVIX or VXX?

UVIX and VXX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between UVIX and VXX?

UVIX tracks Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily), while VXX tracks S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index Total Return. They also come from different issuers: Volatility Shares and Barclays Capital. Their fees differ too: 2.78% for UVIX and 0.89% for VXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.76 vs -0.93), 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.