USNG vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: USNGMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricUSNGVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.59%0.05%
AUM$8M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.43%2.60%
Holdings288,747
YTD Return+22.36%+14.57%
1Y Return+32.16%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)16.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-11.9%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAmplify ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 20, 2025Jan 26, 2011

USNG vs VXUS Performance

Amplify Samsung US Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USNG returned +32.16% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, USNG is up 22.36% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

USNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -11.9% for USNG 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

USNG charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USNG currently yields 1.43% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.4%overlap

USNG and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7885 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in USNGWeight in VXUSDifference
ENB:AQL7.03%0.26%6.77%
TRP:CA4.35%0.15%4.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, USNG or VXUS?

USNG has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.

Which performed better, USNG or VXUS?

Over the past year USNG returned +32.16% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so USNG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), USNG annualized +30.60% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, USNG or VXUS?

USNG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USNG -11.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both USNG and VXUS?

USNG and VXUS 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 USNG and VXUS?

USNG and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7885 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, USNG or VXUS?

USNG yields 1.43% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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