DRLL vs. VSDB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DRLL (Strive U.S. Energy ETF) and VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - DRLL is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg US Energy Select Index, while VSDB is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. DRLL is passively managed, while VSDB is actively managed. Over the past year, DRLL returned 43.09% vs 5.27% for VSDB. At a correlation of -0.25, they often move in opposite directions. DRLL charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VSDB.

Performance

DRLL vs. VSDB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRLL achieves a 31.26% return, which is significantly higher than VSDB's 0.94% return.

DRLL

• 1D: 1.47%
• 1M: -1.82%
• YTD: 31.26%
• 6M: 27.14%
• 1Y: 43.09%
• 3Y*: 14.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSDB

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.94%
• 6M: 1.35%
• 1Y: 5.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DRLL vs. VSDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	31.26%	6.27%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.94%	4.85%

Correlation

The correlation between DRLL and VSDB is -0.30, 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	-0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 4, 2025	-0.25

Return for Risk

DRLL vs. VSDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRLL

DRLL Risk / Return Rank: 55
DRLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
DRLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
DRLL Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DRLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
DRLL Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 86
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

DRLL vs. VSDB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). 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.

	DRLL	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	3.04	-1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	4.79	-2.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.63	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	3.72	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.82	16.38	-7.56
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DRLL vs. VSDB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRLL Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is lower than the VSDB Sharpe Ratio of 3.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRLL and VSDB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DRLL	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	3.04	-1.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	2.65	-2.08

Drawdowns

DRLL vs. VSDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRLL drawdown since its inception was -23.73%, which is greater than VSDB's maximum drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRLL and VSDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRLL	VSDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.73%	-1.42%	-22.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.93%	-1.42%	-12.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.10%	-0.16%	-7.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.02%	-0.19%	-7.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.90%	0.32%	+4.58%

Volatility

DRLL vs. VSDB - Volatility Comparison

Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) has a higher volatility of 9.15% compared to Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB) at 0.55%. This indicates that DRLL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSDB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRLL	VSDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.15%	0.55%	+8.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.04%	1.35%	+16.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.34%	1.75%	+20.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.76%	1.90%	+21.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.76%	1.90%	+21.86%

DRLL vs. VSDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRLL has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than VSDB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRLL vs. VSDB - Dividend Comparison

DRLL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, less than VSDB's 4.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	2.33%	2.99%	3.00%	3.01%	1.18%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.17%	3.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRLL and VSDB in my portfolio?

DRLL and VSDB have a correlation of -0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DRLL or VSDB?

DRLL has higher volatility (9.15%) compared to VSDB (0.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRLL dropped -23.73% vs VSDB's -1.42%.

Which ETF is better, DRLL or VSDB?

On 1-year performance, DRLL leads with 43.09% vs 5.27% for VSDB. On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, VSDB has been the lower-risk option at 0.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRLL or VSDB?

Over the 1-year period, DRLL has performed better with a 43.09% return vs 5.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRLL or VSDB?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for DRLL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRLL or VSDB?

VSDB has the higher dividend yield at 4.17%, compared with 2.33% for DRLL.

What is the main difference between DRLL and VSDB?

DRLL is categorized as Energy Equities, while VSDB is Short-Term Bond. They also come from different issuers: Strive and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DRLL and 0.15% for VSDB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSDB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.04 vs 1.94), 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.