AMTR vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AMTR (ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AMTR is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian Midstream Energy Index, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AMTR charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VDE.

Performance

AMTR vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN (AMTR) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AMTR

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 30.77%
• 6M: 30.53%
• 1Y: 45.89%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: 20.34%
• 10Y*: 9.58%

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

AMTR vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AMTR ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN	0.00%	0.00%	44.68%	12.75%	20.41%	36.99%	15.24%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	30.77%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	31.72%

Correlation

The correlation between AMTR and VDE is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2020	0.70

The correlation between AMTR and VDE shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (3 years) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AMTR vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AMTR	VDE
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.4%
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	99.5%
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Industrials	0.0%	0.1%
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Technology	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

AMTR vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 66
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 59
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

AMTR vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN (AMTR) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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

	AMTR	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.32	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.28	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	AMTR	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-74.20%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.80%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.58%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-69.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-7.48%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-19.97%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.98%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AMTR	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.98%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.32%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	20.38%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	26.40%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	29.94%	—

AMTR vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMTR has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMTR vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

AMTR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AMTR ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.40%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMTR and VDE in my portfolio?

AMTR and VDE have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AMTR or VDE?

On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMTR or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AMTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AMTR or VDE?

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 0.00% for AMTR.

What is the main difference between AMTR and VDE?

AMTR is categorized as MLPs, while VDE is Energy Equities. AMTR tracks Alerian Midstream Energy Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AMTR and 0.10% for VDE.