COAL vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

COAL (Range Global Coal Index ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - COAL is a Energy Equities fund tracking the VettaFi Global Coal Index, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, COAL returned 44.31% vs 3.86% for VGUS. At a correlation of -0.15, they often move in opposite directions. COAL charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

COAL vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Range Global Coal Index ETF (COAL) 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, COAL achieves a 5.74% return, which is significantly higher than VGUS's 1.59% return.

COAL

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: -1.99%
• YTD: 5.74%
• 6M: 6.40%
• 1Y: 44.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 1.59%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

COAL vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
COAL Range Global Coal Index ETF	5.74%	19.37%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.59%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between COAL and VGUS is -0.12, 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	-0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	-0.15

Return for Risk

COAL vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

COAL

COAL Risk / Return Rank: 46
COAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
COAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
COAL Omega Ratio Rank: 39
COAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
COAL Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

COAL vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Range Global Coal Index ETF (COAL) 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.

	COAL	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	11.86	-10.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.16	34.14	-31.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	10.51	-9.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	53.22	-50.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.50	402.91	-396.40

COAL vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current COAL Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is lower than the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of COAL 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

COAL vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum COAL drawdown since its inception was -42.29%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for COAL and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	COAL	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.29%	-0.07%	-42.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.42%	-0.07%	-15.35%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.07%	0.00%	-15.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.17%	-0.00%	-14.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.84%	0.01%	+6.83%

Volatility

COAL vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

Range Global Coal Index ETF (COAL) has a higher volatility of 12.40% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.12%. This indicates that COAL'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

	COAL	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.40%	0.12%	+12.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.86%	0.18%	+21.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.27%	0.33%	+29.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.77%	0.34%	+27.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.77%	0.34%	+27.43%

COAL vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

COAL has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

COAL vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

COAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.49%, less than VGUS's 3.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
COAL Range Global Coal Index ETF	2.49%	2.63%	1.80%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both COAL and VGUS in my portfolio?

COAL and VGUS have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, COAL or VGUS?

COAL has higher volatility (12.40%) compared to VGUS (0.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, COAL dropped -42.29% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, COAL or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, COAL leads with 44.31% vs 3.86% for VGUS. On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VGUS has been the lower-risk option at 0.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, COAL or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, COAL has performed better with a 44.31% return vs 3.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, COAL or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for COAL.

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

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.60%, compared with 2.49% for COAL.

What is the main difference between COAL and VGUS?

COAL is categorized as Energy Equities, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. COAL tracks VettaFi Global Coal Index, while VGUS tracks Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for COAL and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.86 vs 1.47), 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.