USL vs VTI
United States 12 Month Oil Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. USL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $45M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +51.25% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.96% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.22% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.43% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.4% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
USL vs VTI Performance
United States 12 Month Oil Fund (USL) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USL returned +42.96% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, USL is up 51.25% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, USL compounded at +10.22% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +15.43% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -0.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.4% compared with 15.4% 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 -89.1% for USL 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USL charges 1.02% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $3 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2785 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, USL or VTI?
USL has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USL or VTI?
Over the past year USL returned +42.96% vs +22.39% for VTI, so USL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), USL annualized -0.12% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USL or VTI?
USL has been the more volatile fund at 29.4% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: USL -89.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USL and VTI?
USL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USL and VTI?
USL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USL or VTI?
USL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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