UGA vs VXUS
UGA vs VXUS
United States Gasoline Fund LP vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. UGA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $144M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +82.25% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.17% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.99% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.33% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UGA vs VXUS Performance
United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGA returned +81.17% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UGA is up 82.25% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, UGA compounded at +15.99% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +25.33% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UGA charges 1.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $5 annually, a gap of $103 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UGA currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UGA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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 VXUS?
UGA has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $103 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UGA or VXUS?
Over the past year UGA returned +81.17% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so UGA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UGA annualized +4.54% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGA or VXUS?
UGA has been the more volatile fund at 36.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UGA -86.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UGA and VXUS?
UGA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UGA and VXUS?
UGA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGA or VXUS?
UGA yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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