ENFR vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ENFR (Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - ENFR tracks the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index while VDE tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ENFR returned 11.96%/yr vs 9.70%/yr for VDE. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ENFR charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

ENFR vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (ENFR) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ENFR achieves a 24.60% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 32.24% return. Over the past 10 years, ENFR has outperformed VDE with an annualized return of 11.96%, while VDE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.70% annualized return.

ENFR

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -1.01%
• YTD: 24.60%
• 6M: 24.41%
• 1Y: 25.40%
• 3Y*: 27.99%
• 5Y*: 19.91%
• 10Y*: 11.96%

VDE

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: 32.24%
• 6M: 29.32%
• 1Y: 45.53%
• 3Y*: 17.97%
• 5Y*: 20.43%
• 10Y*: 9.70%

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

ENFR vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ENFR Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF	24.60%	5.88%	42.17%	15.63%	17.48%	39.97%	-24.14%	21.60%	-18.67%	-0.19%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	32.24%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between ENFR and VDE is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2013	0.78

The correlation between ENFR and VDE shifts across timeframes, from 0.67 (1 year) to 0.79 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ENFR vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ENFR	VDE
Energy	98.8%	99.5%
Industrials	3.4%	0.1%
Utilities	1.0%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

ENFR vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

ENFR

ENFR Risk / Return Rank: 50
ENFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
ENFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ENFR Omega Ratio Rank: 47
ENFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
ENFR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 64
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

ENFR vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (ENFR) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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.

	ENFR	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	2.25	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.88	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.36	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.95	3.88	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.06	11.42	-3.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ENFR vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ENFR Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ENFR and VDE, 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

	ENFR	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	2.25	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.04	0.78	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.33	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.28	+0.06

Drawdowns

ENFR vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ENFR drawdown since its inception was -68.28%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ENFR and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	ENFR	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.28%	-74.20%	+5.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.64%	-11.80%	+3.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.58%	-21.41%	+5.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.29%	-26.58%	+6.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-62.64%	-69.29%	+6.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.95%	-6.43%	+1.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.98%	-19.96%	+3.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	4.00%	-0.84%

Volatility

ENFR vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (ENFR) is 6.18%, while Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) has a volatility of 7.99%. This indicates that ENFR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ENFR	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.18%	7.99%	-1.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	16.33%	-4.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.64%	20.38%	-5.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.30%	26.40%	-7.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.69%	29.93%	-5.24%

ENFR vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

ENFR has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

ENFR vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

ENFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.03%, more than VDE's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ENFR Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.03%	4.77%	4.41%	5.48%	5.23%	7.86%	7.57%	5.81%	3.98%	2.98%	3.31%	3.34%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.37%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ENFR and VDE in my portfolio?

ENFR and VDE have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ENFR or VDE?

VDE has higher volatility (7.99%) compared to ENFR (6.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ENFR dropped -68.28% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, ENFR or VDE?

On 10-year performance, ENFR leads with 11.96% vs 9.70% for VDE. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, ENFR has been the lower-risk option at 6.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ENFR or VDE?

Over the 10-year period, ENFR has performed better with a 11.96% return vs 9.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ENFR or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for ENFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ENFR or VDE?

ENFR has the higher dividend yield at 4.03%, compared with 2.37% for VDE.

What is the main difference between ENFR and VDE?

ENFR tracks Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for ENFR and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.75), 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.