USL vs VYM
United States 12 Month Oil Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. USL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $45M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +53.07% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.78% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.68% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.29% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
USL vs VYM Performance
United States 12 Month Oil Fund (USL) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USL returned +42.78% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, USL is up 53.07% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, USL compounded at +10.68% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +15.29% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -0.05%. 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 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 -89.1% for USL 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USL charges 1.02% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $4 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USL currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
USL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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 VYM?
USL has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USL or VYM?
Over the past year USL returned +42.78% vs +26.05% for VYM, so USL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), USL annualized -0.05% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USL or VYM?
USL has been the more volatile fund at 29.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: USL -89.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both USL and VYM?
USL and VYM 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 VYM?
USL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USL or VYM?
USL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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