BESF vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BESF (Bastion Energy ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. BESF is actively managed, while VDE is passively managed. Over the past year, BESF returned 61.61% vs 31.01% for VDE. A 0.61 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 16.12% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 23.55% return.

BESF

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: -6.28%
• YTD: 16.12%
• 6M: 15.17%
• 1Y: 61.61%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: -7.94%
• YTD: 23.55%
• 6M: 24.06%
• 1Y: 31.01%
• 3Y*: 16.13%
• 5Y*: 18.74%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

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

BESF vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	16.12%	38.76%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	23.55%	10.04%

Correlation

The correlation between BESF and VDE is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2025	0.61

The correlation between BESF and VDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BESF vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

BESF

BESF Risk / Return Rank: 84
BESF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
BESF Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
BESF Omega Ratio Rank: 77
BESF Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
BESF Martin Ratio Rank: 83

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 43
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

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.

	BESF	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	1.51	+1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.34	2.04	+1.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.25	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.64	2.19	+3.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.57	6.75	+8.82

BESF vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BESF Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is higher than the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BESF and VDE, 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

BESF vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BESF drawdown since its inception was -10.97%, 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	-10.97%	-74.20%	+63.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.97%	-14.20%	+3.23%
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	-8.73%	-12.59%	+3.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.74%	-19.94%	+17.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.97%	4.61%	-0.64%

Volatility

BESF vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) have volatilities of 6.97% and 7.06%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BESF	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.97%	7.06%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.93%	16.61%	-1.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.75%	20.80%	+3.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.39%	26.37%	-1.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.39%	29.94%	-5.55%

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 5.86%, more than VDE's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	5.86%	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	2.54%	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 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BESF or VDE?

VDE has higher volatility (7.06%) compared to BESF (6.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BESF dropped -10.97% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, BESF or VDE?

On 1-year performance, BESF leads with 61.61% vs 31.01% for VDE. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BESF or VDE?

Over the 1-year period, BESF has performed better with a 61.61% return vs 31.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

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 5.86%, compared with 2.54% 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.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BESF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.51), 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.