FTXN vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTXN (First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - FTXN tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Oil & Gas Index while VDE tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXN returned 15.78%/yr vs 18.74%/yr for VDE. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FTXN charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

FTXN vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FTXN having a 23.36% return and VDE slightly higher at 23.55%.

FTXN

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -8.34%
• YTD: 23.36%
• 6M: 24.04%
• 1Y: 26.63%
• 3Y*: 13.55%
• 5Y*: 15.78%
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: -7.94%
• YTD: 23.55%
• 6M: 24.06%
• 1Y: 31.01%
• 3Y*: 16.13%
• 5Y*: 18.74%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

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

FTXN vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXN First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF	23.36%	-0.17%	4.06%	4.91%	47.45%	69.21%	-28.10%	3.20%	-20.99%	-2.29%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	23.55%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXN and VDE is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2016	0.91

The correlation between FTXN and VDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

FTXN vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXN	VDE
Energy	100.0%	99.5%
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTXN vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXN

FTXN Risk / Return Rank: 33
FTXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FTXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
FTXN Omega Ratio Rank: 30
FTXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
FTXN Martin Ratio Rank: 34

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 43
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

FTXN vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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.

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.

	FTXN	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.15	1.51	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	2.04	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.25	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.70	2.19	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.89	6.75	-1.87

FTXN vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXN Sharpe Ratio is 1.15, which is comparable to the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXN 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.

Drawdowns

FTXN vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXN drawdown since its inception was -73.49%, roughly equal to the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXN and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXN	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.49%	-74.20%	+0.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.74%	-14.20%	-1.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.96%	-21.41%	-5.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.97%	-26.58%	-3.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-69.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.90%	-12.59%	-1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.19%	-19.94%	+0.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.46%	4.61%	+0.85%

Volatility

FTXN vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) has a higher volatility of 7.94% compared to Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) at 7.06%. This indicates that FTXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXN	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.94%	7.06%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.16%	16.61%	+1.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.41%	20.80%	+2.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.67%	26.37%	+3.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.78%	29.94%	+1.84%

FTXN vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXN has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXN vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

FTXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, less than VDE's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXN First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF	2.20%	2.83%	2.51%	3.41%	2.26%	1.04%	1.76%	2.72%	2.16%	1.78%	0.20%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.54%	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 FTXN and VDE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, FTXN and VDE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FTXN or VDE?

FTXN has higher volatility (7.94%) compared to VDE (7.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXN dropped -73.49% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, FTXN or VDE?

On 5-year performance, VDE leads with 18.74% vs 15.78% for FTXN. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDE has been the lower-risk option at 7.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXN or VDE?

Over the 5-year period, VDE has performed better with a 18.74% return vs 15.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXN or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXN.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.54%, compared with 2.20% for FTXN.

What is the main difference between FTXN and VDE?

FTXN tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Oil & Gas Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXN and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 1.15), 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.