UNL vs VYM
United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UNL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $16M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -19.49% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | -23.82% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -20.09% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.00% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UNL vs VYM Performance
United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund (UNL) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UNL returned -23.82% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, UNL is down 19.49% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, UNL compounded at -20.09% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -12.00% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% 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 14.6% 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 -89.8% for UNL 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UNL charges 1.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $165 vs $4 annually, a gap of $161 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UNL currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
UNL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 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 VYM?
UNL has an expense ratio of 1.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $161 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UNL or VYM?
Over the past year UNL returned -23.82% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), UNL annualized -11.87% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UNL or VYM?
UNL has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UNL -89.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UNL and VYM?
UNL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UNL and VYM?
UNL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UNL or VYM?
UNL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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