USG vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricUSGVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.05%
AUM$9M$156.5B
Dividend Yield29.92%2.60%
Holdings48,747
YTD Return-1.09%+14.57%
1Y Return+20.19%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+26.07%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-24.9%-39.9%
Fund FamilyUSCF InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionNov 8, 2021Jan 26, 2011

USG vs VXUS Performance

USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund (USG) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USG returned +20.19% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, USG is down 1.09% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, USG compounded at +26.07% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, USG has the edge at +17.19% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

USG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -24.9% for USG 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

USG charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USG currently yields 29.92% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, USG or VXUS?

USG has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.

Which performed better, USG or VXUS?

Over the past year USG returned +20.19% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), USG annualized +17.19% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, USG or VXUS?

USG has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USG -24.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both USG and VXUS?

USG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, USG or VXUS?

USG yields 29.92% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so USG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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