CRAK vs. PIPE

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

CRAK (VanEck Oil Refiners ETF) and PIPE (Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. CRAK is passively managed, while PIPE is actively managed. Over the past year, CRAK returned 53.31% vs 33.75% for PIPE. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CRAK charges 0.62%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for PIPE.

Performance

CRAK vs. PIPE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Oil Refiners ETF (CRAK) and Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CRAK achieves a 38.54% return, which is significantly higher than PIPE's 29.69% return.

CRAK

• 1D: 3.24%
• 1M: 7.18%
• 6M: 31.68%
• YTD: 38.54%
• 1Y: 53.31%
• 3Y*: 23.02%
• 5Y*: 16.83%
• 10Y*: 13.95%

PIPE

• 1D: 1.39%
• 1M: 1.89%
• 6M: 30.75%
• YTD: 29.69%
• 1Y: 33.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CRAK vs. PIPE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CRAK VanEck Oil Refiners ETF	38.54%	31.56%
PIPE Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	29.69%	0.14%

Correlation

The correlation between CRAK and PIPE is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.38

CRAK vs. PIPE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CRAK	PIPE
Energy	98.8%	88.7%
Industrials	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	1.3%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

CRAK vs. PIPE — Risk / Return Rank

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

CRAK

CRAK Risk / Return Rank: 89
CRAK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
CRAK Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
CRAK Omega Ratio Rank: 90
CRAK Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
CRAK Martin Ratio Rank: 83

PIPE

PIPE Risk / Return Rank: 85
PIPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PIPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
PIPE Omega Ratio Rank: 83
PIPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
PIPE Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

CRAK vs. PIPE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Oil Refiners ETF (CRAK) and Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE). 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.

	CRAK	PIPE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.29	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	3.10	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.39	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.94	4.62	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.83	11.17	+1.66

CRAK vs. PIPE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CRAK Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is comparable to the PIPE Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CRAK and PIPE, 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

CRAK vs. PIPE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CRAK drawdown since its inception was -58.80%, which is greater than PIPE's maximum drawdown of -15.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CRAK and PIPE.

Drawdown Indicators

	CRAK	PIPE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.80%	-15.69%	-43.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.59%	-7.33%	-6.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.61%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.61%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-58.80%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.29%	+2.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.45%	-4.02%	-8.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.18%	3.03%	+1.15%

Volatility

CRAK vs. PIPE - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Oil Refiners ETF (CRAK) has a higher volatility of 7.32% compared to Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (PIPE) at 5.54%. This indicates that CRAK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PIPE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CRAK	PIPE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.32%	5.54%	+1.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.55%	11.65%	+3.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.64%	14.87%	+4.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.75%	18.71%	+2.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.19%	18.71%	+3.48%

CRAK vs. PIPE - Expense Ratio Comparison

CRAK has a 0.62% expense ratio, which is lower than PIPE's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

CRAK vs. PIPE - Dividend Comparison

CRAK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than PIPE's 3.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CRAK VanEck Oil Refiners ETF	1.46%	2.02%	5.60%	3.65%	3.08%	2.40%	2.64%	1.49%	2.42%	1.66%	3.42%	0.47%
PIPE Invesco SteelPath MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	3.66%	3.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CRAK and PIPE in my portfolio?

CRAK and PIPE have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CRAK or PIPE?

CRAK has higher volatility (7.32%) compared to PIPE (5.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CRAK dropped -58.80% vs PIPE's -15.69%.

Which ETF is better, CRAK or PIPE?

On 1-year performance, CRAK leads with 53.31% vs 33.75% for PIPE. On fees, CRAK is cheaper at 0.62% per year. On volatility, PIPE has been the lower-risk option at 5.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CRAK or PIPE?

Over the 1-year period, CRAK has performed better with a 53.31% return vs 33.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CRAK or PIPE?

CRAK is cheaper with a 0.62% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PIPE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CRAK or PIPE?

PIPE has the higher dividend yield at 3.66%, compared with 1.46% for CRAK.

What is the main difference between CRAK and PIPE?

They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.62% for CRAK and 0.75% for PIPE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CRAK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.29), 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.