MBOX vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MBOX (Freedom Day Dividend ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MBOX is a Dividend fund actively managed by EMPIRICAL FINANCE LLC, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, MBOX returned 19.61%/yr vs 20.62%/yr for VCLN. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MBOX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

MBOX vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MBOX achieves a 15.47% return, which is significantly lower than VCLN's 39.16% return.

MBOX

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 5.07%
• YTD: 15.47%
• 6M: 14.89%
• 1Y: 23.95%
• 3Y*: 19.61%
• 5Y*: 11.86%
• 10Y*: —

VCLN

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: 11.34%
• YTD: 39.16%
• 6M: 37.23%
• 1Y: 95.86%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MBOX vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	15.47%	8.72%	16.39%	15.84%	-4.32%	7.70%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	39.16%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.00%

Correlation

The correlation between MBOX and VCLN is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 5, 2021	0.54

The correlation between MBOX and VCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (1 year) to 0.54 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MBOX vs. VCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MBOX	VCLN
Financial Services	25.0%	-
Technology	18.3%	22.4%
Energy	14.1%	1.1%
Healthcare	13.4%	-
Industrials	8.2%	36.7%
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	-
Basic Materials	3.8%	-
Real Estate	3.4%	-
Utilities	2.2%	39.8%
Communication Services	2.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

MBOX vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

MBOX

MBOX Risk / Return Rank: 71
MBOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
MBOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
MBOX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
MBOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
MBOX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 90
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

MBOX vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) 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.

	MBOX	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	3.30	-1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	4.05	-0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.51	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.19	7.66	-3.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.88	29.03	-15.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MBOX vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MBOX Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is lower than the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 3.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MBOX and VCLN, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MBOX	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.24	3.30	-1.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.30	+0.53

Drawdowns

MBOX vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MBOX drawdown since its inception was -16.42%, smaller than the maximum VCLN drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MBOX and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	MBOX	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.42%	-45.66%	+29.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.75%	-12.58%	+6.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.37%	-29.25%	+12.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-1.16%	+0.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.46%	-24.09%	+20.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	3.31%	-1.58%

Volatility

MBOX vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Freedom Day Dividend ETF (MBOX) is 3.14%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a volatility of 9.04%. This indicates that MBOX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MBOX	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	9.04%	-5.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	20.11%	-12.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.76%	29.22%	-18.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.49%	27.43%	-12.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.47%	27.43%	-12.96%

MBOX vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

MBOX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

MBOX vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

MBOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, more than VCLN's 1.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
MBOX Freedom Day Dividend ETF	1.89%	1.94%	1.60%	2.13%	2.87%	1.17%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.45%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MBOX and VCLN in my portfolio?

MBOX and VCLN have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MBOX or VCLN?

VCLN has higher volatility (9.04%) compared to MBOX (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MBOX dropped -16.42% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, MBOX or VCLN?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 20.62% vs 19.61% for MBOX. On fees, MBOX is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, MBOX has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MBOX or VCLN?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 20.62% return vs 19.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MBOX or VCLN?

MBOX is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for VCLN.

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

MBOX has the higher dividend yield at 1.89%, compared with 1.45% for VCLN.

What is the main difference between MBOX and VCLN?

MBOX is categorized as Dividend, while VCLN is Sustainable. They also come from different issuers: EMPIRICAL FINANCE LLC and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MBOX and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.30 vs 2.24), 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.