What Is the USAI ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The Pacer American Energy Independence ETF (USAI) invests in US and Canadian energy infrastructure companies. Distinguished by its monthly distributions and a portfolio centered on pipelines and midstream, this energy-related ETF can serve as a useful reference for investors who prioritize dividend income.
SubscribeWhat Is the Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF?
This ETF tracks the American Energy Independence Index and holds shares of energy infrastructure companies listed on US and Canadian exchanges. It has a high weighting in energy transportation and processing businesses such as pipelines and midstream.
It suits investors who want diversified exposure to the energy infrastructure sector while seeking regular distribution income.
It is a passively managed (index-tracking) ETF operated by Pacer Advisors.
How Does the Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | American Energy Independence Index |
| Management Style | Passive (index-tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Quarterly |
| Dividend Frequency | Monthly |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.75% |
Among energy infrastructure companies listed on US and Canadian exchanges, the fund includes those that generate most of their revenue from energy transportation and processing activities such as pipelines and midstream, weighted by free-float market capitalization. As a rule, it allocates a substantial portion of its net assets to energy infrastructure-related companies.
- A portfolio specialized in energy infrastructure, centered on pipelines and midstream
- A monthly distribution payment structure
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fee)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $125.5M, and the total expense ratio is 0.75% per year.
Unlike broad energy sector ETFs such as XLE and VDE shown in the table, this product differs in character in that it has a relatively high weighting in midstream and infrastructure companies.
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeThe fund moves with energy prices and the earnings trends of infrastructure companies, and it tends to show a direction similar to that of broad energy sector ETFs. Changes in the interest rate environment also tend to affect the valuation trends of midstream companies.
Fund flows fluctuate with investor interest in the energy infrastructure theme and the appeal of distribution income, and changes in the commodity price environment often influence inflows and outflows.
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF Pros and Cons
Its strengths are monthly dividends and a portfolio specialized in energy infrastructure, while energy price volatility and sector concentration are points to watch.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Note
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
XLE, VDE, FENY, and IYE, shown together in the table, are broad energy sector ETFs that cover refining, exploration, and services companies as well. They diversify across a wider energy value chain than this product and often carry lower expense levels. For those who want a product more concentrated in midstream and infrastructure, a master limited partnership-focused ETF such as AMLP may be worth comparing, and for those who prioritize dividend income, an income-focused ETF such as EIPI could also be a comparison candidate.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 XLE | State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF | $68.21 | -2.0% | $46.1B | 0.08% | 2.23% | +54.5% |
 VDE | Vanguard Energy ETF | $190.43 | -2.0% | $11.7B | 0.09% | 2.14% | +52.5% |
 FENY | Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF | $37.47 | -2.0% | $2.4B | 0.08% | 2.1% | +52.8% |
 IYE | iShares U.S. Energy ETF | $71.92 | -1.9% | $1.8B | 0.37% | 1.88% | +53.1% |
 EIPI | FT Energy Income Partners Enhanced Income ETF | $22.67 | -0.0% | $1.1B | 1.11% | 6.62% | +14.8% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LNG | Cheniere Energy Inc | 0.08% | $299.74 | -0.3% | $61.9B | 22.3 | 0.77% |
| ET | Energy Transfer LP | 0.15% | $20.41 | -0.9% | $70.3B | 14.0 | 6.71% |
| WMB | Williams Cos Inc | 0.07% | $74.09 | +3.3% | $90.6B | 29.6 | 2.85% |
| ENB | Enbridge Inc | 0.14% | $48.38 | +0.3% | $109.7B | 25.7 | 5.71% |
| EPD | Enterprise Products Partners L P | 0.15% | $37.17 | +0.5% | $80.3B | 12.9 | 6.04% |
| TRP | TC Energy Corp | 0.14% | $62.89 | +0.7% | $65.5B | 26.1 | 3.97% |
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in USAI. Because it is a portfolio specialized in energy infrastructure, you should first check sector concentration, liquidity, and distribution stability, which we have organized in the checklist below.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the impact of cumulative costs over a long holding period | Fee applies |
| 📊 Sector Concentration | Whether the energy infrastructure weighting is skewed | High concentration |
| 💧 Liquidity | Check daily trading value and bid-ask spread | Lower than broad energy ETFs |
| 💰 Distribution Stability | Check whether monthly dividends are maintained | Monthly dividends maintained |
Energy price volatility and sector concentration risk are the main drivers of short-term volatility. Changes in the interest rate environment can also affect the valuations of midstream companies.
It is a suitable option for investors who want both an energy infrastructure theme and monthly dividend income. For broad energy exposure, sector ETFs such as XLE and VDE can serve as alternatives.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of July 2, 2026.
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