USE vs VTI
USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.17% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +49.67% | +12.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.61% | +20.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.84% | +20.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
USE vs VTI Performance
USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return Fund (USE) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USE returned +19.61% while VTI returned +20.66%. Year to date, USE is up 49.67% versus a gain of 12.74% for VTI.
Over three years, USE compounded at +11.84% per year against +20.69% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, USE has the edge at +17.90% annualized vs +8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -28.2% for USE and -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USE charges 0.79% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USE currently yields 2.17% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USE and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2787 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in USE | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGS | 12.38% | 0.00% | 12.38% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USE or VTI?
USE has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USE or VTI?
Over the past year USE returned +19.61% vs +20.66% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USE annualized +17.90% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USE or VTI?
USE has been the more volatile fund at 33.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: USE -28.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USE and VTI?
USE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USE and VTI?
USE and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2787 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USE or VTI?
USE yields 2.17% while VTI yields 1.07%, so USE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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