FSST vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FSST (Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both Sustainable funds. FSST is passively managed, while VCLN is actively managed. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

FSST vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF (FSST) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

FSST

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCLN

• 1D: -3.36%
• 1M: -6.42%
• YTD: 25.35%
• 6M: 23.25%
• 1Y: 72.58%
• 3Y*: 17.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSST vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FSST Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF	0.00%	15.40%	21.40%	25.49%	-18.30%	6.91%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	25.35%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FSST and VCLN is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.55

Over the past year, the correlation between FSST and VCLN has dropped to 0.20 - well below their long-term average of 0.55, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FSST vs. VCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSST	VCLN
Technology	29.6%	9.9%
Industrials	13.0%	35.0%
Financial Services	12.1%	-
Communication Services	11.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	-
Healthcare	10.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	-
Basic Materials	3.4%	-
Energy	1.9%	18.1%
Real Estate	1.3%	-
Utilities	0.9%	34.9%

Return for Risk

FSST vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSST

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 81
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
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.

FSST vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF (FSST) 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.

	FSST	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.41	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.11	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.39	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.05	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	18.41	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	FSST	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-45.66%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.45%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-10.96%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-23.91%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.95%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSST	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.33%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	21.41%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	30.43%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	27.65%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	27.65%	—

FSST vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FSST and VCLN have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

FSST vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

FSST has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FSST Fidelity Sustainability U.S. Equity ETF	0.10%	0.19%	2.01%	0.68%	1.00%	0.34%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.67%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSST and VCLN in my portfolio?

FSST and VCLN have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FSST or VCLN?

Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSST or VCLN?

FSST and VCLN have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

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

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.67%, compared with 0.10% for FSST.

What is the main difference between FSST and VCLN?

They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Virtus Investment Partners.