AAUS vs. NRGU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AAUS (Alpha Architect US Equity ETF) and NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - AAUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Alpha Architect, while NRGU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). AAUS is actively managed, while NRGU is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.12, they often move in opposite directions. AAUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for NRGU.

Performance

AAUS vs. NRGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAUS achieves a 9.48% return, which is significantly lower than NRGU's 129.31% return.

AAUS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 9.48%
• 6M: 9.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NRGU

• 1D: 2.53%
• 1M: -6.67%
• YTD: 129.31%
• 6M: 97.01%
• 1Y: 156.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AAUS vs. NRGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	9.48%	9.66%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	129.31%	-5.86%

Correlation

The correlation between AAUS and NRGU is -0.12, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	-0.12

Return for Risk

AAUS vs. NRGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 58
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 48
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
NRGU Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

AAUS vs. NRGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AAUS	NRGU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.90	0.45	+1.46

Drawdowns

AAUS vs. NRGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAUS drawdown since its inception was -9.13%, smaller than the maximum NRGU drawdown of -57.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAUS and NRGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAUS	NRGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.13%	-57.50%	+48.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-39.95%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-20.91%	+20.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-25.42%	+24.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	15.96%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AAUS	NRGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	31.63%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	61.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	75.15%	-62.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.45%	89.15%	-76.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.45%	89.15%	-76.70%

AAUS vs. NRGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

AAUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than NRGU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

AAUS vs. NRGU - Dividend Comparison

AAUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, while NRGU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
AAUS Alpha Architect US Equity ETF	0.34%	0.37%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAUS and NRGU in my portfolio?

AAUS and NRGU have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AAUS or NRGU?

On fees, AAUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AAUS or NRGU?

AAUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for NRGU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AAUS or NRGU?

AAUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.34%, compared with 0.00% for NRGU.

What is the main difference between AAUS and NRGU?

AAUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while NRGU is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and BMO. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for AAUS and 0.95% for NRGU.