USE vs VYM
USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return 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 | USE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +41.90% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.10% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.55% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
USE vs VYM Performance
USCF Energy Commodity Strategy Absolute Return Fund (USE) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USE returned +15.10% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, USE is up 41.90% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, USE compounded at +11.55% per year against +18.69% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, USE has the edge at +16.11% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 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 -28.2% for USE 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USE charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USE currently yields 2.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
USE and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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 VYM?
USE has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USE or VYM?
Over the past year USE returned +15.10% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USE annualized +16.11% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USE or VYM?
USE has been the more volatile fund at 33.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: USE -28.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both USE and VYM?
USE and VYM 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 USE and VYM?
USE and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USE or VYM?
USE yields 2.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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