USO vs VTI
United States Oil Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. USO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.86% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +95.10% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +83.00% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.86% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.38% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | USCF Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
USO vs VTI Performance
United States Oil Fund (USO) is a ETF from USCF Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USO returned +83.00% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, USO is up 95.10% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, USO compounded at +22.86% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +25.38% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs -6.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.8% compared with 15.3% 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 -98.2% for USO 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USO charges 0.86% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $86 vs $3 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USO currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
USO and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 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, USO or VTI?
USO has an expense ratio of 0.86% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USO or VTI?
Over the past year USO returned +83.00% vs +21.39% for VTI, so USO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), USO annualized -6.63% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USO or VTI?
USO has been the more volatile fund at 37.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: USO -98.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both USO and VTI?
USO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USO and VTI?
USO and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USO or VTI?
USO yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.