WTIU vs. DUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WTIU (MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN) and DUG (ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas) are both Leveraged Equities funds - WTIU tracks the Solactive MicroSectors Energy Index - Benchmark TR Gross (--300%) while DUG tracks the DJ Global United States (All) / Oil & Gas -IND (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, WTIU returned 0.71%/yr vs -26.36%/yr for DUG. At a correlation of -0.97, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

WTIU vs. DUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN (WTIU) and ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas (DUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WTIU achieves a 48.25% return, which is significantly higher than DUG's -36.75% return.

WTIU

• 1D: 1.81%
• 1M: -23.04%
• YTD: 48.25%
• 6M: 48.93%
• 1Y: 40.86%
• 3Y*: 0.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DUG

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: 16.78%
• YTD: -36.75%
• 6M: -37.18%
• 1Y: -42.58%
• 3Y*: -26.36%
• 5Y*: -36.37%
• 10Y*: -31.35%

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

WTIU vs. DUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
WTIU MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN	48.25%	-17.13%	-29.63%	-28.45%
DUG ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas	-36.75%	-18.63%	-6.13%	4.21%

Correlation

The correlation between WTIU and DUG 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2023	-0.97

The correlation between WTIU and DUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from -0.97 to -0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

WTIU vs. DUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WTIU	DUG
Energy	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	33.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

WTIU vs. DUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

WTIU

WTIU Risk / Return Rank: 20
WTIU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
WTIU Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
WTIU Omega Ratio Rank: 21
WTIU Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
WTIU Martin Ratio Rank: 20

DUG

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

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.

WTIU vs. DUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN (WTIU) and ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas (DUG). 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.

	WTIU	DUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	-1.03	+1.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.19	-1.59	+2.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	0.84	+0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	-0.75	+1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.30	-1.34	+3.64

WTIU vs. DUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WTIU Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is higher than the DUG Sharpe Ratio of -1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WTIU and DUG, 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

WTIU vs. DUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WTIU drawdown since its inception was -75.73%, smaller than the maximum DUG drawdown of -99.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WTIU and DUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	WTIU	DUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.73%	-99.92%	+24.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-47.07%	-57.00%	+9.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-75.73%	-68.64%	-7.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-94.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.46%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-47.45%	-99.90%	+52.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-39.19%	-88.98%	+49.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.80%	31.81%	-14.01%

Volatility

WTIU vs. DUG - Volatility Comparison

MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN (WTIU) has a higher volatility of 23.51% compared to ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas (DUG) at 14.09%. This indicates that WTIU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WTIU	DUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	23.51%	14.09%	+9.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	56.01%	33.47%	+22.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	68.81%	41.82%	+26.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	70.79%	51.52%	+19.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	70.79%	58.84%	+11.95%

WTIU vs. DUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both WTIU and DUG have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

WTIU vs. DUG - Dividend Comparison

WTIU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.36%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DUG ProShares UltraShort Oil & Gas	4.36%	3.21%	5.66%	4.16%	0.28%	0.00%	0.10%	0.56%	0.29%
WTIU MicroSectors Energy 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WTIU and DUG in my portfolio?

WTIU and DUG 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, WTIU or DUG?

WTIU has higher volatility (23.51%) compared to DUG (14.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WTIU dropped -75.73% vs DUG's -99.92%.

Which ETF is better, WTIU or DUG?

On 3-year performance, WTIU leads with 0.71% vs -26.36% for DUG. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, DUG has been the lower-risk option at 14.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WTIU or DUG?

Over the 3-year period, WTIU has performed better with a 0.71% return vs -26.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WTIU or DUG?

WTIU and DUG have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WTIU or DUG?

DUG has the higher dividend yield at 4.36%, compared with 0.00% for WTIU.

What is the main difference between WTIU and DUG?

WTIU tracks Solactive MicroSectors Energy Index - Benchmark TR Gross (--300%), while DUG tracks DJ Global United States (All) / Oil & Gas -IND (-200%). They also come from different issuers: REX and ProShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WTIU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.60 vs -1.03), 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.