UGA vs VOO
United States Gasoline Fund LP vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. UGA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $144M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +82.25% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.17% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.99% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.33% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
UGA vs VOO Performance
United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGA returned +81.17% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, UGA is up 82.25% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, UGA compounded at +15.99% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +25.33% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +4.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -86.6% for UGA and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UGA charges 1.08% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $3 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UGA currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
UGA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 507 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, UGA or VOO?
UGA has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UGA or VOO?
Over the past year UGA returned +81.17% vs +23.71% for VOO, so UGA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UGA annualized +4.54% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGA or VOO?
UGA has been the more volatile fund at 36.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: UGA -86.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both UGA and VOO?
UGA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UGA and VOO?
UGA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGA or VOO?
UGA yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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