SPY vs USL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs United States 12 Month Oil Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. USL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | USL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.02% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $45M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +53.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +42.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +10.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +15.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 29.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -89.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 6, 2007 |
SPY vs USL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and United States 12 Month Oil Fund (USL) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while USL returned +42.78%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 53.07% for USL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +10.68% for USL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +15.29% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -0.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -89.1% for USL. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while USL charges 1.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $102 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for USL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and USL share 0 holdings out of 505 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, SPY or USL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while USL charges 1.02%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or USL?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +42.78% for USL, so USL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs -0.05% for USL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or USL?
USL has been the more volatile fund at 29.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs USL -89.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and USL?
SPY and USL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and USL?
SPY and USL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or USL?
SPY yields 1.01% while USL yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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