VIXM vs. SVXY
VIXM (ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF) and SVXY (ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF) are both Volatility funds from ProShares - VIXM tracks the S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures Index while SVXY tracks the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index (-0.5x). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIXM returned -12.28%/yr vs 2.48%/yr for SVXY. At a correlation of -0.89, they often move in opposite directions. VIXM charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for SVXY.
Performance
VIXM vs. SVXY - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VIXM achieves a -1.77% return, which is significantly lower than SVXY's -0.69% return. Over the past 10 years, VIXM has underperformed SVXY with an annualized return of -12.28%, while SVXY has yielded a comparatively higher 2.48% annualized return.
VIXM
- 1D
- 0.67%
- 1M
- -4.64%
- YTD
- -1.77%
- 6M
- 0.07%
- 1Y
- -12.74%
- 3Y*
- -11.89%
- 5Y*
- -13.09%
- 10Y*
- -12.28%
SVXY
- 1D
- -2.69%
- 1M
- 4.23%
- YTD
- -0.69%
- 6M
- 0.15%
- 1Y
- 35.14%
- 3Y*
- 10.26%
- 5Y*
- 14.63%
- 10Y*
- 2.48%
VIXM vs. SVXY - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIXM ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF | -1.77% | 5.60% | -13.67% | -44.83% | -0.69% | -16.70% | 72.38% | -20.38% | 26.43% | -50.05% |
SVXY ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF | -0.69% | 10.63% | -3.17% | 76.21% | -4.66% | 48.53% | -36.47% | 54.21% | -91.75% | 181.84% |
Correlation
The correlation between VIXM and SVXY is -0.91, 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 | -0.91 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.90 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.91 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.89 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 4, 2011 | -0.89 |
The correlation between VIXM and SVXY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.91 to -0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VIXM vs. SVXY — Risk / Return Rank
VIXM
SVXY
VIXM vs. SVXY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM) and ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (SVXY). 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.
| VIXM | SVXY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.90 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.54 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.90 | 1.24 | -0.34 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.82 | 1.54 | -2.36 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -1.55 | 5.02 | -6.56 |
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Drawdowns
VIXM vs. SVXY - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VIXM drawdown since its inception was -96.23%, roughly equal to the maximum SVXY drawdown of -95.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIXM and SVXY.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VIXM | SVXY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -96.23% | -95.25% | -0.98% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -15.53% | -22.94% | +7.41% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -37.35% | -46.45% | +9.10% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -63.40% | -46.45% | -16.95% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -75.56% | -95.25% | +19.69% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -95.88% | -80.10% | -15.78% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -81.54% | -56.93% | -24.61% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 8.43% | 7.02% | +1.41% |
Volatility
VIXM vs. SVXY - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for ProShares VIX Mid-Term Futures ETF (VIXM) is 4.20%, while ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (SVXY) has a volatility of 8.75%. This indicates that VIXM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SVXY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VIXM | SVXY | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.20% | 8.75% | -4.55% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 14.13% | 22.73% | -8.60% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 18.70% | 28.95% | -10.25% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.62% | 35.40% | -4.78% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 32.68% | 49.67% | -16.99% |
VIXM vs. SVXY - Expense Ratio Comparison
VIXM has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than SVXY's 0.95% expense ratio.
Dividends
VIXM vs. SVXY - Dividend Comparison
Neither VIXM nor SVXY has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
VIXM and SVXY have a correlation of -0.91, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SVXY has higher volatility (8.75%) compared to VIXM (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIXM dropped -96.23% vs SVXY's -95.25%.
On 10-year performance, SVXY leads with 2.48% vs -12.28% for VIXM. On fees, VIXM is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, VIXM has been the lower-risk option at 4.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, SVXY has performed better with a 2.48% return vs -12.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VIXM is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for SVXY.
VIXM and SVXY have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
VIXM tracks S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures Index, while SVXY tracks S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index (-0.5x). Their fees differ too: 0.85% for VIXM and 0.95% for SVXY.
SVXY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.22 vs -0.68), 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.
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