CNRG vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CNRG (SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CNRG is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Clean Power Index, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CNRG returned 95.92% vs 3.85% for VGUS. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. CNRG charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

CNRG vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF (CNRG) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CNRG achieves a 23.15% return, which is significantly higher than VGUS's 1.61% return.

CNRG

• 1D: -4.63%
• 1M: -5.18%
• YTD: 23.15%
• 6M: 19.33%
• 1Y: 95.92%
• 3Y*: 12.18%
• 5Y*: 2.77%
• 10Y*: —

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CNRG vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CNRG SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF	23.15%	48.99%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.61%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between CNRG and VGUS is -0.13, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	-0.15

Return for Risk

CNRG vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

CNRG

CNRG Risk / Return Rank: 76
CNRG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
CNRG Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
CNRG Omega Ratio Rank: 67
CNRG Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
CNRG Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 99
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

CNRG vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF (CNRG) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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.

	CNRG	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	11.84	-9.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	34.08	-31.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	10.49	-9.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.36	53.13	-47.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.03	402.18	-389.16

CNRG vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CNRG Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is lower than the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CNRG and VGUS, 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

CNRG vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CNRG drawdown since its inception was -68.49%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CNRG and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	CNRG	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.49%	-0.07%	-68.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.01%	-0.07%	-17.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-48.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-59.17%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.92%	0.00%	-19.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.72%	-0.00%	-31.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.39%	0.01%	+7.38%

Volatility

CNRG vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF (CNRG) has a higher volatility of 15.67% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.11%. This indicates that CNRG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CNRG	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.67%	0.11%	+15.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.25%	0.18%	+27.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.05%	0.33%	+37.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.47%	0.34%	+34.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.98%	0.34%	+35.64%

CNRG vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

CNRG has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

CNRG vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

CNRG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.11%, less than VGUS's 3.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CNRG SPDR S&P Kensho Clean Power ETF	1.11%	1.46%	1.34%	1.17%	1.23%	1.34%	0.69%	1.16%	0.35%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CNRG and VGUS in my portfolio?

CNRG and VGUS have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CNRG or VGUS?

CNRG has higher volatility (15.67%) compared to VGUS (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CNRG dropped -68.49% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, CNRG or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, CNRG leads with 95.92% vs 3.85% for VGUS. On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VGUS has been the lower-risk option at 0.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CNRG or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, CNRG has performed better with a 95.92% return vs 3.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CNRG or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for CNRG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CNRG or VGUS?

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.60%, compared with 1.11% for CNRG.

What is the main difference between CNRG and VGUS?

CNRG is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. CNRG tracks S&P Kensho Clean Power Index, while VGUS tracks Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for CNRG and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.84 vs 2.53), 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.