GSGO vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GSGO (Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GSGO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Goldman Sachs, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. GSGO is actively managed, while VDE is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.26, they often move in opposite directions. GSGO charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

GSGO vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF (GSGO) 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, GSGO achieves a 8.99% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 29.68% return.

GSGO

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: 2.75%
• YTD: 8.99%
• 6M: 7.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: -2.11%
• 1M: -0.04%
• YTD: 29.68%
• 6M: 26.87%
• 1Y: 45.56%
• 3Y*: 17.17%
• 5Y*: 19.96%
• 10Y*: 8.99%

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

GSGO vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GSGO Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF	8.99%	1.36%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	29.68%	-0.06%

Correlation

The correlation between GSGO and VDE is -0.26, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2025	-0.26

Return for Risk

GSGO vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 67
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

GSGO vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF (GSGO) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GSGO	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.76	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.30	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.09	0.28	+0.82

Drawdowns

GSGO vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSGO drawdown since its inception was -13.88%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSGO and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSGO	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.88%	-74.20%	+60.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.80%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.58%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-69.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.79%	-8.25%	+4.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.94%	-19.96%	+17.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.05%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GSGO	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.16%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.46%	20.37%	-1.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.46%	26.41%	-7.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.46%	29.93%	-11.47%

GSGO vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSGO has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

GSGO vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

GSGO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.42%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSGO Goldman Sachs Growth Opportunities ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.42%	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 GSGO and VDE in my portfolio?

GSGO and VDE have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GSGO or VDE?

On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSGO or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for GSGO.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.42%, compared with 0.00% for GSGO.

What is the main difference between GSGO and VDE?

GSGO is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VDE is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for GSGO and 0.09% for VDE.