CTEX vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CTEX (ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CTEX is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Cleantech Index, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. CTEX is passively managed, while VCLN is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CTEX returned 13.53%/yr vs 19.29%/yr for VCLN. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CTEX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

CTEX vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with CTEX having a 28.98% return and VCLN slightly higher at 29.71%.

CTEX

• 1D: 1.82%
• 1M: -1.77%
• YTD: 28.98%
• 6M: 22.36%
• 1Y: 132.39%
• 3Y*: 13.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCLN

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 29.71%
• 6M: 25.66%
• 1Y: 73.69%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CTEX vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
CTEX ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF	28.98%	67.74%	-20.38%	-10.25%	-20.38%	-6.68%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	29.71%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-1.09%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEX and VCLN is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	0.81

The correlation between CTEX and VCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.81 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CTEX vs. VCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CTEX	VCLN
Industrials	38.2%	35.0%
Energy	36.3%	18.1%
Utilities	16.5%	34.9%
Technology	6.1%	9.9%
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

CTEX vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

CTEX

CTEX Risk / Return Rank: 83
CTEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
CTEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
CTEX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
CTEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
CTEX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 80
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

CTEX vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). 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.

	CTEX	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.05	2.45	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	3.16	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.39	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.08	5.13	+0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.70	18.99	-3.28

CTEX vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTEX Sharpe Ratio is 3.05, which is comparable to the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTEX and VCLN, 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

CTEX vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTEX drawdown since its inception was -70.31%, which is greater than VCLN's maximum drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEX and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTEX	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.31%	-45.66%	-24.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.90%	-14.45%	-7.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.83%	-29.25%	-27.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.61%	-7.87%	-3.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.63%	-23.92%	-17.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.46%	3.90%	+4.56%

Volatility

CTEX vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) has a higher volatility of 18.65% compared to Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) at 11.49%. This indicates that CTEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTEX	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.65%	11.49%	+7.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.89%	21.11%	+10.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.74%	30.28%	+13.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.51%	27.62%	+15.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.51%	27.62%	+15.89%

CTEX vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTEX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTEX vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

CTEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.62%, which matches VCLN's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CTEX ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF	1.62%	2.17%	0.57%	0.12%	0.00%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.61%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTEX and VCLN in my portfolio?

CTEX and VCLN have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CTEX or VCLN?

CTEX has higher volatility (18.65%) compared to VCLN (11.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTEX dropped -70.31% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, CTEX or VCLN?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 19.29% vs 13.53% for CTEX. On fees, CTEX is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, VCLN has been the lower-risk option at 11.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTEX or VCLN?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 19.29% return vs 13.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CTEX or VCLN?

CTEX is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for VCLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CTEX or VCLN?

CTEX and VCLN have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.62%.

What is the main difference between CTEX and VCLN?

CTEX is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VCLN is Sustainable. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for CTEX and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.05 vs 2.45), 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.