BESF vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BESF (Bastion Energy ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. BESF is actively managed, while VDE is passively managed. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BESF charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

BESF vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BESF achieves a 19.74% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 32.24% return.

BESF

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: -4.08%
• YTD: 19.74%
• 6M: 21.51%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: 32.24%
• 6M: 29.32%
• 1Y: 45.53%
• 3Y*: 17.97%
• 5Y*: 20.43%
• 10Y*: 9.70%

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

BESF vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	19.74%	41.15%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	32.24%	12.13%

Correlation

The correlation between BESF and VDE is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2025	0.59

Return for Risk

BESF 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: 64
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

BESF vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) 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

	BESF	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.87	0.28	+2.59

Drawdowns

BESF vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BESF drawdown since its inception was -9.89%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BESF and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BESF	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.89%	-74.20%	+64.31%
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	-5.88%	-6.43%	+0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-19.96%	+17.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.00%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BESF	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.99%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.33%	20.38%	+3.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.33%	26.40%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.33%	29.93%	-5.60%

BESF vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BESF has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

BESF vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

BESF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.68%, more than VDE's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	5.68%	6.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.37%	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 BESF and VDE in my portfolio?

BESF and VDE have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BESF or VDE?

On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BESF or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for BESF.

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

BESF has the higher dividend yield at 5.68%, compared with 2.37% for VDE.

What is the main difference between BESF and VDE?

They also come from different issuers: Bastion and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for BESF and 0.09% for VDE.