CTEX vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CTEX (ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CTEX is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Cleantech Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CTEX returned 13.53%/yr vs 21.19%/yr for VTI. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CTEX charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

CTEX vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CTEX achieves a 28.98% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 10.35% return.

CTEX

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

VTI

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

CTEX vs. VTI - 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%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.35%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	7.94%

Correlation

The correlation between CTEX and VTI is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2021	0.65

The correlation between CTEX and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

CTEX vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CTEX	VTI
Industrials	38.2%	9.4%
Energy	36.3%	3.3%
Utilities	16.5%	2.1%
Technology	6.1%	37.0%
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	9.7%
Basic Materials	-	1.9%
Communication Services	-	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.3%
Financial Services	-	11.3%
Healthcare	-	9.0%
Real Estate	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

CTEX vs. VTI — 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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.05	2.14	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	2.90	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.38	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.08	3.06	+3.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.70	13.68	+2.03

CTEX vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CTEX Sharpe Ratio is 3.05, which is higher than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CTEX and VTI, 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. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CTEX drawdown since its inception was -70.31%, which is greater than VTI's maximum drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CTEX and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CTEX	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.31%	-55.45%	-14.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.90%	-8.92%	-12.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-56.83%	-19.30%	-37.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.61%	-1.48%	-10.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.63%	-8.01%	-33.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.46%	1.99%	+6.47%

Volatility

CTEX vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF (CTEX) has a higher volatility of 18.65% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.74%. This indicates that CTEX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CTEX	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.65%	4.74%	+13.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.89%	9.96%	+21.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	43.74%	12.76%	+30.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.51%	17.49%	+26.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	43.51%	18.35%	+25.16%

CTEX vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

CTEX has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CTEX vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

CTEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.62%, more than VTI's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CTEX ProShares S&P Kensho Cleantech ETF	1.62%	2.17%	0.57%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CTEX and VTI in my portfolio?

CTEX and VTI have a correlation of 0.63, 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 VTI?

CTEX has higher volatility (18.65%) compared to VTI (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CTEX dropped -70.31% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, CTEX or VTI?

On 3-year performance, VTI leads with 21.19% vs 13.53% for CTEX. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CTEX or VTI?

Over the 3-year period, VTI has performed better with a 21.19% 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 VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for CTEX.

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

CTEX has the higher dividend yield at 1.62%, compared with 1.02% for VTI.

What is the main difference between CTEX and VTI?

CTEX is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. CTEX tracks S&P Kensho Cleantech Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for CTEX and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CTEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.05 vs 2.14), 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.