UNL vs VXUS
United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UNL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $16M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -18.02% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | -23.23% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -19.98% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.36% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UNL vs VXUS Performance
United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund (UNL) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UNL returned -23.23% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, UNL is down 18.02% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, UNL compounded at -19.98% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -11.36% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs -11.78%. 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 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 -89.8% for UNL 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UNL charges 1.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $165 vs $5 annually, a gap of $160 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UNL currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UNL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7871 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 VXUS?
UNL has an expense ratio of 1.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $160 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UNL or VXUS?
Over the past year UNL returned -23.23% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UNL annualized -11.78% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UNL or VXUS?
UNL has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UNL -89.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UNL and VXUS?
UNL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UNL and VXUS?
UNL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UNL or VXUS?
UNL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.