INFR vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

INFR (ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - INFR tracks the RARE Global Infrastructure Index while VDE tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, INFR returned 5.42%/yr vs 16.13%/yr for VDE. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. INFR charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

INFR vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF (INFR) 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, INFR achieves a 1.41% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 23.55% return.

INFR

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 1.41%
• 6M: 1.56%
• 1Y: 5.89%
• 3Y*: 5.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

INFR vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
INFR ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF	1.41%	24.00%	-6.23%	5.20%	-0.19%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	23.55%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	2.94%

Correlation

The correlation between INFR and VDE is 0.06, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 16, 2022	0.19

The correlation between INFR and VDE shifts across timeframes, from 0.06 (1 year) to 0.19 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

INFR vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	INFR	VDE
Utilities	68.5%	-
Industrials	27.5%	0.1%
Real Estate	4.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	99.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

INFR vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

INFR

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

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.

INFR vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF (INFR) 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.

	INFR	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	1.51	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.36	2.04	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.25	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	2.19	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.97	6.75	-2.79

INFR vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current INFR Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is lower than the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of INFR 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

INFR vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum INFR drawdown since its inception was -19.28%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for INFR and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	INFR	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.28%	-74.20%	+54.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.43%	-14.20%	+7.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.48%	-21.41%	+2.93%
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	-0.70%	-12.59%	+11.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-19.94%	+15.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	4.61%	-2.57%

Volatility

INFR vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF (INFR) is 0.00%, while Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) has a volatility of 7.06%. This indicates that INFR 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

	INFR	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.00%	7.06%	-7.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.73%	16.61%	-12.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.90%	20.80%	-11.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.24%	26.37%	-12.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.24%	29.94%	-15.70%

INFR vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

INFR has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

INFR vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

INFR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
INFR ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF	1.71%	2.52%	2.36%	3.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	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 INFR and VDE in my portfolio?

INFR and VDE have a correlation of 0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, INFR or VDE?

VDE has higher volatility (7.06%) compared to INFR (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, INFR dropped -19.28% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, INFR or VDE?

On 3-year performance, VDE leads with 16.13% vs 5.42% for INFR. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, INFR has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, INFR or VDE?

Over the 3-year period, VDE has performed better with a 16.13% return vs 5.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, INFR or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for INFR.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.54%, compared with 1.71% for INFR.

What is the main difference between INFR and VDE?

INFR tracks RARE Global Infrastructure Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: ClearBridge and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for INFR and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 0.93), 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.