USCI vs VXUS
United States Commodity Index Fund ETV vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. USCI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USCI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $367M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +33.55% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.03% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.66% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.75% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 10, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
USCI vs VXUS Performance
United States Commodity Index Fund ETV (USCI) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USCI returned +39.03% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, USCI is up 33.55% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, USCI compounded at +21.66% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +20.75% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.8% for USCI. 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 -66.4% for USCI 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USCI charges 1.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $5 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USCI currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
USCI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, USCI or VXUS?
USCI has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USCI or VXUS?
Over the past year USCI returned +39.03% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so USCI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), USCI annualized +4.63% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USCI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for USCI. Worst drawdown: USCI -66.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USCI and VXUS?
USCI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USCI and VXUS?
USCI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USCI or VXUS?
USCI yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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