USML vs. VFMV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

USML (ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN) and VFMV (Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USML is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while VFMV is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard. USML is passively managed, while VFMV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, USML returned 8.67%/yr vs 10.01%/yr for VFMV. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USML charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFMV.

Performance

USML vs. VFMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USML achieves a 4.25% return, which is significantly lower than VFMV's 8.68% return.

USML

• 1D: 0.14%
• 1M: 4.47%
• YTD: 4.25%
• 6M: 4.48%
• 1Y: 4.31%
• 3Y*: 16.76%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: —

VFMV

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 8.68%
• 6M: 8.88%
• 1Y: 13.55%
• 3Y*: 14.75%
• 5Y*: 10.01%
• 10Y*: —

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

USML vs. VFMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
USML ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN	4.25%	9.33%	23.97%	11.37%	-22.87%	42.12%
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	8.68%	10.52%	16.91%	8.86%	-5.73%	16.97%

Correlation

The correlation between USML and VFMV is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2021	0.91

The correlation between USML and VFMV shifts across timeframes, from 0.80 (1 year) to 0.91 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

USML vs. VFMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

USML

USML Risk / Return Rank: 12
USML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
USML Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
USML Omega Ratio Rank: 12
USML Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
USML Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VFMV

VFMV Risk / Return Rank: 46
VFMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
VFMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VFMV Omega Ratio Rank: 42
VFMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VFMV Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

USML vs. VFMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) and Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV). 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.

	USML	VFMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	1.55	-1.28
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.48	2.25	-1.77
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.27	-0.22
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.34	2.28	-1.94
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.03	8.99	-7.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USML vs. VFMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USML Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is lower than the VFMV Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USML and VFMV, 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

	USML	VFMV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26	1.55	-1.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	0.86	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.70	-0.25

Drawdowns

USML vs. VFMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USML drawdown since its inception was -35.34%, which is greater than VFMV's maximum drawdown of -33.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USML and VFMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	USML	VFMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.34%	-33.64%	-1.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.09%	-6.00%	-7.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.14%	-10.35%	-8.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.34%	-15.41%	-19.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-0.88%	-1.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.42%	-3.64%	-6.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	1.52%	+2.81%

Volatility

USML vs. VFMV - Volatility Comparison

ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN (USML) has a higher volatility of 4.03% compared to Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) at 2.22%. This indicates that USML's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFMV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USML	VFMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	2.22%	+1.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.54%	6.36%	+5.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.33%	8.80%	+7.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.47%	11.75%	+12.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.29%	14.26%	+10.03%

USML vs. VFMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

USML has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VFMV's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

USML vs. VFMV - Dividend Comparison

USML has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VFMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.93%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
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%	0.00%	0.00%
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	1.93%	2.12%	1.46%	2.20%	2.08%	1.31%	2.14%	2.43%	2.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USML and VFMV in my portfolio?

USML and VFMV have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USML or VFMV?

USML has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to VFMV (2.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USML dropped -35.34% vs VFMV's -33.64%.

Which ETF is better, USML or VFMV?

On 5-year performance, VFMV leads with 10.01% vs 8.67% for USML. On fees, VFMV is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VFMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USML or VFMV?

Over the 5-year period, VFMV has performed better with a 10.01% return vs 8.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USML or VFMV?

VFMV is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for USML.

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

VFMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 0.00% for USML.

What is the main difference between USML and VFMV?

USML is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VFMV is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for USML and 0.13% for VFMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFMV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.26), 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.