BDCX vs. USML

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BDCX (ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN) and USML (ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN) are both Leveraged Equities funds from UBS - BDCX tracks the MVIS US Business Development Companies (150%) while USML tracks the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BDCX returned 1.20%/yr vs 7.28%/yr for USML. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

BDCX vs. USML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) and ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BDCX achieves a -14.17% return, which is significantly lower than USML's -1.13% return.

BDCX

• 1D: -1.41%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: -14.17%
• 6M: -13.63%
• 1Y: -19.48%
• 3Y*: 3.12%
• 5Y*: 1.20%
• 10Y*: —

USML

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -4.97%
• YTD: -1.13%
• 6M: -2.30%
• 1Y: 2.54%
• 3Y*: 14.24%
• 5Y*: 7.28%
• 10Y*: —

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

BDCX vs. USML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
BDCX ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN	-14.17%	-10.42%	15.32%	35.33%	-17.67%	38.79%
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	-1.13%	9.33%	23.97%	11.37%	-22.87%	42.12%

Correlation

The correlation between BDCX and USML is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2021	0.48

The correlation between BDCX and USML shifts across timeframes, from 0.35 (1 year) to 0.50 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BDCX vs. USML — Risk / Return Rank

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

BDCX

BDCX Risk / Return Rank: 4
BDCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BDCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
BDCX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
BDCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BDCX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

USML

USML Risk / Return Rank: 10
USML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
USML Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
USML Omega Ratio Rank: 10
USML Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
USML Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

BDCX vs. USML - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) and ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BDCX	USML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.70	0.15	-0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.91	0.33	-1.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.04	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.64	0.19	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.09	0.57	-1.65

BDCX vs. USML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BDCX Sharpe Ratio is -0.70, which is lower than the USML Sharpe Ratio of 0.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BDCX and USML, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BDCX vs. USML - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDCX drawdown since its inception was -34.96%, roughly equal to the maximum USML drawdown of -35.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDCX and USML.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDCX	USML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.96%	-35.34%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.46%	-13.09%	-17.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.39%	-19.14%	-14.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.96%	-35.34%	+0.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.24%	-7.52%	-22.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.20%	-10.36%	+0.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.97%	4.47%	+13.50%

Volatility

BDCX vs. USML - Volatility Comparison

ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN (BDCX) has a higher volatility of 8.37% compared to ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) at 4.75%. This indicates that BDCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BDCX	USML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.37%	4.75%	+3.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.09%	11.78%	+11.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.79%	16.55%	+11.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.58%	24.48%	+2.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.91%	24.23%	+2.68%

BDCX vs. USML - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both BDCX and USML have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

BDCX vs. USML - Dividend Comparison

BDCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 20.85%, while USML has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BDCX ETRACS Quarterly Pay 1.5X Leveraged MVIS BDC Index ETN	20.85%	19.17%	15.28%	14.71%	17.47%	11.52%	6.32%
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDCX and USML in my portfolio?

BDCX and USML have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BDCX or USML?

BDCX has higher volatility (8.37%) compared to USML (4.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BDCX dropped -34.96% vs USML's -35.34%.

Which ETF is better, BDCX or USML?

On 5-year performance, USML leads with 7.28% vs 1.20% for BDCX. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, USML has been the lower-risk option at 4.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BDCX or USML?

Over the 5-year period, USML has performed better with a 7.28% return vs 1.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDCX or USML?

BDCX and USML have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BDCX or USML?

BDCX has the higher dividend yield at 20.85%, compared with 0.00% for USML.

What is the main difference between BDCX and USML?

BDCX tracks MVIS US Business Development Companies (150%), while USML tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.15 vs -0.70), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.