IDOG vs. USO

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IDOG (ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and USO (United States Oil Fund LP) are both exchange-traded funds - IDOG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while USO is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the Front Month Light Sweet Crude Oil. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IDOG returned 11.04%/yr vs 3.80%/yr for USO. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IDOG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for USO.

Performance

IDOG vs. USO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) 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, IDOG achieves a 14.56% return, which is significantly lower than USO's 98.48% return. Over the past 10 years, IDOG has outperformed USO with an annualized return of 11.04%, while USO has yielded a comparatively lower 3.80% annualized return.

IDOG

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 2.78%
• YTD: 14.56%
• 6M: 18.11%
• 1Y: 34.92%
• 3Y*: 22.15%
• 5Y*: 13.68%
• 10Y*: 11.04%

USO

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: -3.87%
• YTD: 98.48%
• 6M: 95.54%
• 1Y: 97.37%
• 3Y*: 28.86%
• 5Y*: 23.92%
• 10Y*: 3.80%

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

IDOG vs. USO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	14.56%	39.94%	1.35%	23.57%	-4.50%	11.33%	-1.78%	21.93%	-13.47%	25.61%
USO United States Oil Fund LP	98.48%	-8.46%	13.35%	-4.94%	28.97%	64.68%	-67.79%	32.61%	-19.57%	2.47%

Correlation

The correlation between IDOG and USO is -0.25, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.01
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.17
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2013	0.28

The correlation between IDOG and USO shifts across timeframes, from -0.25 (1 year) to 0.28 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IDOG vs. USO — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDOG

IDOG Risk / Return Rank: 82
IDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
IDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
IDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 74
IDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
IDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 88

USO

USO Risk / Return Rank: 66
USO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
USO Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
USO Omega Ratio Rank: 61
USO Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
USO Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

IDOG vs. USO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) 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.

	IDOG	USO	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.63	2.22	+0.42
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.52	2.81	+0.70
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.37	+0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.58	5.12	+0.46
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	19.56	9.66	+9.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IDOG vs. USO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.63, which is comparable to the USO Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDOG and USO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IDOG	USO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.63	2.22	+0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88	0.67	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.64	0.10	+0.54
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	-0.18	+0.70

Drawdowns

IDOG vs. USO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDOG drawdown since its inception was -37.32%, smaller than the maximum USO drawdown of -98.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDOG and USO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDOG	USO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.32%	-98.19%	+60.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-20.39%	+13.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.92%	-26.05%	+12.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.31%	-36.23%	+10.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.32%	-86.75%	+49.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-85.39%	+85.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.93%	-75.30%	+67.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	10.81%	-8.96%

Volatility

IDOG vs. USO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) is 4.22%, while United States Oil Fund LP (USO) has a volatility of 15.03%. This indicates that IDOG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than USO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDOG	USO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	15.03%	-10.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.07%	38.18%	-28.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.34%	44.26%	-30.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.61%	36.04%	-20.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.45%	39.00%	-21.55%

IDOG vs. USO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDOG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than USO's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDOG vs. USO - Dividend Comparison

IDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.40%, while USO has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.40%	4.26%	4.90%	4.86%	4.46%	3.85%	3.00%	5.41%	4.50%	3.33%	4.01%	4.19%
USO United States Oil Fund LP	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDOG and USO in my portfolio?

IDOG and USO have a correlation of -0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDOG or USO?

USO has higher volatility (15.03%) compared to IDOG (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDOG dropped -37.32% vs USO's -98.19%.

Which ETF is better, IDOG or USO?

On 10-year performance, IDOG leads with 11.04% vs 3.80% for USO. On fees, IDOG is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IDOG has been the lower-risk option at 4.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDOG or USO?

Over the 10-year period, IDOG has performed better with a 11.04% return vs 3.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDOG or USO?

IDOG is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for USO.

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

IDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.40%, compared with 0.00% for USO.

What is the main difference between IDOG and USO?

IDOG is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while USO is Oil & Gas. IDOG tracks S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while USO tracks Front Month Light Sweet Crude Oil. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and USCF. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IDOG and 0.86% for USO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.63 vs 2.22), 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.