UNL vs VOO
United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UNL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $16M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -19.49% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -23.82% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -20.09% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.00% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
UNL vs VOO Performance
United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund (UNL) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UNL returned -23.82% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, UNL is down 19.49% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, UNL compounded at -20.09% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -12.00% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs -11.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UNL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -89.8% for UNL and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UNL charges 1.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $165 vs $3 annually, a gap of $162 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UNL currently yields 0.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
UNL and VOO share 0 holdings out of 507 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, UNL or VOO?
UNL has an expense ratio of 1.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $162 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UNL or VOO?
Over the past year UNL returned -23.82% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UNL annualized -11.87% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UNL or VOO?
UNL has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: UNL -89.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both UNL and VOO?
UNL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UNL and VOO?
UNL and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UNL or VOO?
UNL yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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