USE vs VXUS
USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return 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 | USE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.17% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +41.90% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.10% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.55% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
USE vs VXUS Performance
USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return Fund (USE) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USE returned +15.10% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, USE is up 41.90% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, USE compounded at +11.55% per year against +20.35% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, USE has the edge at +16.11% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.6% 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 -28.2% for USE 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 -0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USE charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USE currently yields 2.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
USE and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7870 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, USE or VXUS?
USE has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USE or VXUS?
Over the past year USE returned +15.10% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USE annualized +16.11% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USE or VXUS?
USE has been the more volatile fund at 33.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USE -28.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USE and VXUS?
USE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USE and VXUS?
USE and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USE or VXUS?
USE yields 2.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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