BCTK vs. USO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BCTK (Baron Technology ETF) and USO (United States Oil Fund LP) are both exchange-traded funds - BCTK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by Baron Capital, while USO is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the Front Month Light Sweet Crude Oil. BCTK is actively managed, while USO is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.43, they often move in opposite directions. BCTK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for USO.

Performance

BCTK vs. USO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Baron Technology ETF (BCTK) and United States Oil Fund LP (USO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BCTK achieves a 27.46% return, which is significantly lower than USO's 103.67% return.

BCTK

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: 15.19%
• YTD: 27.46%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

USO

• 1D: 2.62%
• 1M: -4.57%
• YTD: 103.67%
• 6M: 99.35%
• 1Y: 101.55%
• 3Y*: 29.98%
• 5Y*: 24.41%
• 10Y*: 4.07%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BCTK vs. USO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BCTK Baron Technology ETF	27.46%	1.80%
USO United States Oil Fund LP	103.67%	1.87%

Correlation

The correlation between BCTK and USO is -0.43, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2025	-0.43

Return for Risk

BCTK vs. USO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

USO

USO Risk / Return Rank: 66
USO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
USO Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
USO Omega Ratio Rank: 61
USO Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
USO Martin Ratio Rank: 54

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BCTK vs. USO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Baron Technology ETF (BCTK) and United States Oil Fund LP (USO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BCTK	USO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.31	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.68	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.10	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.83	-0.18	+3.01

Drawdowns

BCTK vs. USO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BCTK drawdown since its inception was -13.96%, smaller than the maximum USO drawdown of -98.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BCTK and USO.

Drawdown Indicators

	BCTK	USO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.96%	-98.19%	+84.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.39%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-36.23%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-86.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.76%	-85.01%	+84.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.00%	-75.30%	+72.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	10.82%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BCTK	USO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	14.87%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	38.23%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.98%	44.20%	-17.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.98%	36.06%	-9.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.98%	39.00%	-12.02%

BCTK vs. USO - Expense Ratio Comparison

BCTK has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than USO's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

BCTK vs. USO - Dividend Comparison

Neither BCTK nor USO has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BCTK and USO in my portfolio?

BCTK and USO have a correlation of -0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BCTK or USO?

On fees, BCTK is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BCTK or USO?

BCTK is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for USO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BCTK or USO?

BCTK and USO have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between BCTK and USO?

BCTK is categorized as Technology Equities, while USO is Oil & Gas. They also come from different issuers: Baron Capital and USCF. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for BCTK and 0.86% for USO.