AMTR vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AMTR (ETRACS Alerian Midstream Energy Total Return Index ETN) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AMTR is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian Midstream Energy Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMTR charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

AMTR vs. VUG - 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 Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

AMTR

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

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

AMTR vs. VUG - 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%	14.40%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	8.65%

Correlation

The correlation between AMTR and VUG is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.14
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2020	0.28

The correlation between AMTR and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.14 (3 years) to 0.30 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AMTR vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AMTR	VUG
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.6%
Communication Services	0.0%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	1.5%
Energy	0.0%	0.4%
Financial Services	0.0%	4.3%
Healthcare	0.0%	4.6%
Industrials	0.0%	3.6%
Real Estate	0.0%	1.0%
Technology	0.0%	53.5%
Utilities	0.0%	0.9%

Return for Risk

AMTR vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMTR

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. VUG - 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 Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	AMTR	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.19	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.67	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.21	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.22	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.15	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	AMTR	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-50.68%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-16.53%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-6.88%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-7.09%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.84%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AMTR	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.86%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.44%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	16.91%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	22.39%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	21.51%	—

AMTR vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMTR has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMTR vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

AMTR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMTR and VUG in my portfolio?

AMTR and VUG have a correlation of 0.28, 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 VUG?

On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMTR or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for AMTR.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for AMTR.

What is the main difference between AMTR and VUG?

AMTR is categorized as MLPs, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. AMTR tracks Alerian Midstream Energy Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: UBS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for AMTR and 0.03% for VUG.