UNG vs VTI
United States Natural Gas Fund LP vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UNG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $504M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -17.00% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -17.48% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -28.94% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -28.60% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
UNG vs VTI Performance
United States Natural Gas Fund LP (UNG) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UNG returned -17.48% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, UNG is down 17.00% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, UNG compounded at -28.94% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -28.60% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -28.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.0% 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 -99.9% for UNG 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UNG charges 1.17% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $117 vs $3 annually, a gap of $114 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UNG currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
UNG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 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, UNG or VTI?
UNG has an expense ratio of 1.17% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $114 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UNG or VTI?
Over the past year UNG returned -17.48% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), UNG annualized -28.45% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UNG or VTI?
UNG has been the more volatile fund at 47.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: UNG -99.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both UNG and VTI?
UNG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UNG and VTI?
UNG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UNG or VTI?
UNG yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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