EVX vs. PHO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EVX (VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF) and PHO (Invesco Water Resources ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EVX is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the NYSE Arca Environmental Services Index, while PHO is a Water Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ OMX US Water Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EVX returned 12.19%/yr vs 11.78%/yr for PHO. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EVX charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for PHO.

Performance

EVX vs. PHO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX) and Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EVX achieves a 4.15% return, which is significantly higher than PHO's -5.09% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EVX having a 12.19% annualized return and PHO not far behind at 11.78%.

EVX

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.74%
• YTD: 4.15%
• 6M: 2.75%
• 1Y: 4.73%
• 3Y*: 9.73%
• 5Y*: 7.59%
• 10Y*: 12.19%

PHO

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 2.01%
• YTD: -5.09%
• 6M: -6.73%
• 1Y: -3.23%
• 3Y*: 7.30%
• 5Y*: 5.25%
• 10Y*: 11.78%

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

EVX vs. PHO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EVX VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF	4.15%	11.72%	12.99%	12.97%	-10.58%	27.47%	13.28%	28.41%	-3.82%	16.05%
PHO Invesco Water Resources ETF	-5.09%	7.62%	8.59%	18.85%	-14.86%	31.28%	20.83%	37.57%	-6.40%	23.55%

Correlation

The correlation between EVX and PHO is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2006	0.71

The correlation between EVX and PHO shifts across timeframes, from 0.71 (all time) to 0.81 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EVX vs. PHO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EVX	PHO
Industrials	85.3%	55.1%
Basic Materials	7.6%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Utilities	2.1%	13.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	9.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	12.8%
Energy	-0.0%	-

Return for Risk

EVX vs. PHO — Risk / Return Rank

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

EVX

EVX Risk / Return Rank: 13
EVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
EVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
EVX Omega Ratio Rank: 12
EVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
EVX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

PHO

PHO Risk / Return Rank: 6
PHO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
PHO Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
PHO Omega Ratio Rank: 6
PHO Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
PHO Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

EVX vs. PHO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX) and Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO). 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.

	EVX	PHO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.35	-0.21	+0.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.57	-0.20	+0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	0.98	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.44	-0.24	+0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.99	-0.56	+1.54

EVX vs. PHO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EVX Sharpe Ratio is 0.35, which is higher than the PHO Sharpe Ratio of -0.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EVX and PHO, 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

EVX vs. PHO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EVX drawdown since its inception was -55.91%, roughly equal to the maximum PHO drawdown of -55.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EVX and PHO.

Drawdown Indicators

	EVX	PHO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.91%	-55.62%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.85%	-13.78%	+2.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.33%	-19.19%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.45%	-28.60%	+7.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.01%	-34.92%	-6.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.91%	-10.33%	+4.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.75%	-10.18%	+1.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.81%	5.79%	-0.98%

Volatility

EVX vs. PHO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX) is 3.93%, while Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO) has a volatility of 4.40%. This indicates that EVX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PHO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EVX	PHO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.93%	4.40%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.06%	11.31%	-1.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	15.17%	-1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.60%	18.39%	-0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.25%	19.45%	+0.80%

EVX vs. PHO - Expense Ratio Comparison

EVX has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than PHO's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

EVX vs. PHO - Dividend Comparison

EVX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, less than PHO's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EVX VanEck Vectors Environmental Services ETF	0.18%	0.19%	0.46%	0.95%	0.41%	0.24%	0.32%	0.38%	0.38%	0.89%	0.70%	1.16%
PHO Invesco Water Resources ETF	0.61%	0.54%	0.45%	0.59%	0.49%	0.20%	0.39%	0.43%	0.46%	0.34%	0.47%	0.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EVX and PHO in my portfolio?

EVX and PHO have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EVX or PHO?

PHO has higher volatility (4.40%) compared to EVX (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EVX dropped -55.91% vs PHO's -55.62%.

Which ETF is better, EVX or PHO?

On 10-year performance, EVX leads with 12.19% vs 11.78% for PHO. On fees, EVX is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, EVX has been the lower-risk option at 3.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EVX or PHO?

Over the 10-year period, EVX has performed better with a 12.19% return vs 11.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EVX or PHO?

EVX is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for PHO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EVX or PHO?

PHO has the higher dividend yield at 0.61%, compared with 0.18% for EVX.

What is the main difference between EVX and PHO?

EVX is categorized as Industrials Equities, while PHO is Water Equities. EVX tracks NYSE Arca Environmental Services Index, while PHO tracks NASDAQ OMX US Water Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for EVX and 0.59% for PHO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.35 vs -0.21), 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.