UNG vs VXUS
UNG vs VXUS
United States Natural Gas Fund LP vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UNG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.17% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $461M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -19.24% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -28.01% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -31.35% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -29.70% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UNG vs VXUS Performance
United States Natural Gas Fund LP (UNG) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UNG returned -28.01% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UNG is down 19.24% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, UNG compounded at -31.35% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -29.70% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -28.60%. 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 15.1% 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 -99.9% for UNG 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UNG charges 1.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $117 vs $5 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UNG currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UNG 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, UNG or VXUS?
UNG has an expense ratio of 1.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UNG or VXUS?
Over the past year UNG returned -28.01% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UNG annualized -28.60% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UNG or VXUS?
UNG has been the more volatile fund at 47.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UNG -99.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UNG and VXUS?
UNG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UNG and VXUS?
UNG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UNG or VXUS?
UNG yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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