UGA vs VTI
United States Gasoline Fund LP vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. UGA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $144M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +93.19% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +91.33% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.65% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.50% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
UGA vs VTI Performance
United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGA returned +91.33% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, UGA is up 93.19% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, UGA compounded at +16.65% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +26.50% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.3% 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 -86.6% for UGA 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UGA charges 1.08% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UGA 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, UGA or VTI?
UGA has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UGA or VTI?
Over the past year UGA returned +91.33% vs +23.62% for VTI, so UGA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), UGA annualized +4.86% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGA or VTI?
UGA has been the more volatile fund at 36.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UGA -86.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UGA and VTI?
UGA and VTI 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 UGA and VTI?
UGA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGA or VTI?
UGA yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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