BDVL vs. NRGU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BDVL (iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF) and NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - BDVL is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, while NRGU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. BDVL charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for NRGU.

Performance

BDVL vs. NRGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) 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, BDVL achieves a 5.75% return, which is significantly lower than NRGU's 118.00% return.

BDVL

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -0.11%
• 6M: 4.83%
• YTD: 5.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NRGU

• 1D: 3.84%
• 1M: 18.77%
• 6M: 86.19%
• YTD: 118.00%
• 1Y: 119.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BDVL vs. NRGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	5.75%	2.20%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	118.00%	-8.95%

Correlation

The correlation between BDVL and NRGU is -0.15, 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 Sep 15, 2025	-0.15

BDVL vs. NRGU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BDVL	NRGU
Technology	27.7%	-
Financial Services	15.4%	-
Industrials	12.7%	-
Healthcare	10.8%	-
Communication Services	9.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	-
Utilities	5.0%	-
Energy	2.1%	100.0%
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Real Estate	0.5%	-

Return for Risk

BDVL vs. NRGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

BDVL

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

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 55
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 50
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
NRGU Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

BDVL vs. NRGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF (BDVL) 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.

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.

	BDVL	NRGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.56	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.08	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.26	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.73	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.13	—

Drawdowns

BDVL vs. NRGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BDVL drawdown since its inception was -7.71%, smaller than the maximum NRGU drawdown of -57.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BDVL and NRGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	BDVL	NRGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.71%	-57.50%	+49.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-43.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-24.81%	+24.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.14%	-26.06%	+24.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	19.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BDVL	NRGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	23.48%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	63.97%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.48%	76.98%	-67.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.48%	89.07%	-79.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.48%	89.07%	-79.59%

BDVL vs. NRGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

BDVL has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than NRGU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

BDVL vs. NRGU - Dividend Comparison

BDVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.52%, while NRGU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BDVL iShares Disciplined Volatility Equity Active ETF	3.52%	2.79%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BDVL and NRGU in my portfolio?

BDVL and NRGU have a correlation of -0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BDVL or NRGU?

On fees, BDVL is cheaper at 0.40% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BDVL or NRGU?

BDVL is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for NRGU.

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

BDVL has the higher dividend yield at 3.52%, compared with 0.00% for NRGU.

What is the main difference between BDVL and NRGU?

BDVL is categorized as Global Equities, while NRGU is Leveraged Equities. BDVL tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, while NRGU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). They also come from different issuers: iShares and BMO. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for BDVL and 0.95% for NRGU.