UGA vs VYM
United States Gasoline Fund LP vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UGA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UGA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $144M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +82.25% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.17% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.99% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.33% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UGA vs VYM Performance
United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UGA returned +81.17% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, UGA is up 82.25% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, UGA compounded at +15.99% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +25.33% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $4 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UGA currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UGA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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 VYM?
UGA has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UGA or VYM?
Over the past year UGA returned +81.17% vs +26.12% for VYM, so UGA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), UGA annualized +4.54% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UGA or VYM?
UGA has been the more volatile fund at 36.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UGA -86.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UGA and VYM?
UGA and VYM 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 VYM?
UGA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UGA or VYM?
UGA yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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