USOI vs. VSDB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USOI (Credit Suisse X-Links Crude Oil Shares Covered Call ETN) and VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - USOI is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the Credit Suisse NASDAQ WTI Crude Oil FLOWS 106 Index, while VSDB is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. USOI is passively managed, while VSDB is actively managed. Over the past year, USOI returned 24.90% vs 4.63% for VSDB. At a correlation of -0.29, they often move in opposite directions. USOI charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VSDB.

Performance

USOI vs. VSDB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Credit Suisse X-Links Crude Oil Shares Covered Call ETN (USOI) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USOI achieves a 26.72% return, which is significantly higher than VSDB's 0.98% return.

USOI

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -13.97%
• YTD: 26.72%
• 6M: 25.07%
• 1Y: 24.90%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSDB

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 0.98%
• 6M: 1.21%
• 1Y: 4.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USOI vs. VSDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USOI Credit Suisse X-Links Crude Oil Shares Covered Call ETN	26.72%	-7.86%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.98%	4.88%

Correlation

The correlation between USOI and VSDB is -0.37, 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	-0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2025	-0.29

Return for Risk

USOI vs. VSDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

USOI

USOI Risk / Return Rank: 30
USOI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
USOI Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
USOI Omega Ratio Rank: 29
USOI Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
USOI Martin Ratio Rank: 31

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 83
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

USOI vs. VSDB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Credit Suisse X-Links Crude Oil Shares Covered Call ETN (USOI) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). 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.

	USOI	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	2.67	-1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	4.15	-2.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.55	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.36	3.26	-1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.30	14.27	-9.98

USOI vs. VSDB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USOI Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is lower than the VSDB Sharpe Ratio of 2.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USOI and VSDB, 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

USOI vs. VSDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USOI drawdown since its inception was -19.49%, which is greater than VSDB's maximum drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USOI and VSDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	USOI	VSDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.49%	-1.42%	-18.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.41%	-1.42%	-16.99%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.41%	-0.24%	-18.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.33%	-0.19%	-7.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.81%	0.32%	+5.49%

Volatility

USOI vs. VSDB - Volatility Comparison

Credit Suisse X-Links Crude Oil Shares Covered Call ETN (USOI) has a higher volatility of 9.08% compared to Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) at 0.52%. This indicates that USOI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSDB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USOI	VSDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.08%	0.52%	+8.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.23%	1.39%	+17.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.55%	1.74%	+21.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.00%	1.90%	+21.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.00%	1.90%	+21.10%

USOI vs. VSDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

USOI has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VSDB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

USOI vs. VSDB - Dividend Comparison

USOI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 47.27%, more than VSDB's 4.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
USOI Credit Suisse X-Links Crude Oil Shares Covered Call ETN	47.27%	27.21%	12.54%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.16%	3.30%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USOI and VSDB in my portfolio?

USOI and VSDB have a correlation of -0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USOI or VSDB?

USOI has higher volatility (9.08%) compared to VSDB (0.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USOI dropped -19.49% vs VSDB's -1.42%.

Which ETF is better, USOI or VSDB?

On 1-year performance, USOI leads with 24.90% vs 4.63% for VSDB. On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, VSDB has been the lower-risk option at 0.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USOI or VSDB?

Over the 1-year period, USOI has performed better with a 24.90% return vs 4.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USOI or VSDB?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for USOI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USOI or VSDB?

USOI has the higher dividend yield at 47.27%, compared with 4.16% for VSDB.

What is the main difference between USOI and VSDB?

USOI is categorized as Oil & Gas, while VSDB is Short-Term Bond. They also come from different issuers: Credit Suisse and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for USOI and 0.15% for VSDB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.67 vs 1.07), 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.