BASG vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

BASG (Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BASG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Brown Advisory, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year, BASG returned 4.84% vs 73.69% for VCLN. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BASG charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

BASG vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BASG achieves a 1.27% return, which is significantly lower than VCLN's 29.71% return.

BASG

• 1D: -1.47%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 1.27%
• 6M: 0.45%
• 1Y: 4.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCLN

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 29.71%
• 6M: 25.66%
• 1Y: 73.69%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BASG vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BASG Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF	1.27%	1.93%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	29.71%	34.25%

Correlation

The correlation between BASG and VCLN is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2025	0.36

Return for Risk

BASG vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

BASG

BASG Risk / Return Rank: 12
BASG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
BASG Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
BASG Omega Ratio Rank: 12
BASG Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
BASG Martin Ratio Rank: 11

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 80
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

BASG vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). 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.

	BASG	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.28	2.45	-2.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.50	3.16	-2.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.39	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.25	5.13	-4.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.65	18.99	-18.34

BASG vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BASG Sharpe Ratio is 0.28, which is lower than the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BASG and VCLN, 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

BASG vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BASG drawdown since its inception was -19.30%, smaller than the maximum VCLN drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BASG and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	BASG	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.30%	-45.66%	+26.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.30%	-14.45%	-4.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.88%	-7.87%	+2.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.75%	-23.92%	+18.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.45%	3.90%	+3.55%

Volatility

BASG vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) is 6.89%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a volatility of 11.49%. This indicates that BASG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BASG	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.89%	11.49%	-4.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.99%	21.11%	-7.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.17%	30.28%	-13.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.06%	27.62%	-10.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.06%	27.62%	-10.56%

BASG vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

BASG has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

BASG vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

BASG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BASG Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.61%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BASG and VCLN in my portfolio?

BASG and VCLN have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BASG or VCLN?

VCLN has higher volatility (11.49%) compared to BASG (6.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BASG dropped -19.30% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, BASG or VCLN?

On 1-year performance, VCLN leads with 73.69% vs 4.84% for BASG. On fees, VCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, BASG has been the lower-risk option at 6.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BASG or VCLN?

Over the 1-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 73.69% return vs 4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BASG or VCLN?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for BASG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BASG or VCLN?

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.00% for BASG.

What is the main difference between BASG and VCLN?

BASG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VCLN is Sustainable. They also come from different issuers: Brown Advisory and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for BASG and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 0.28), 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.