BNO vs VTI
United States Brent Oil Fund, LP vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BNO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $652M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +76.07% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +69.82% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.25% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
BNO vs VTI Performance
United States Brent Oil Fund, LP (BNO) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNO returned +69.82% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, BNO is up 76.07% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, BNO compounded at +19.24% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +22.25% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +4.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BNO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.2% compared with 15.4% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -93.3% for BNO and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNO charges 1.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $115 vs $3 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNO currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BNO and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2785 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BNO or VTI?
BNO has an expense ratio of 1.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNO or VTI?
Over the past year BNO returned +69.82% vs +22.39% for VTI, so BNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BNO annualized +4.19% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNO or VTI?
BNO has been the more volatile fund at 35.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BNO -93.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BNO and VTI?
BNO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNO and VTI?
BNO and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNO or VTI?
BNO yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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