NFRX vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

NFRX (Harrison Street Infrastructure Active ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. NFRX is actively managed, while VPU is passively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NFRX charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

NFRX vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harrison Street Infrastructure Active ETF (NFRX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NFRX

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -1.04%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPU

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 5.98%
• 6M: 6.31%
• 1Y: 14.60%
• 3Y*: 14.56%
• 5Y*: 10.18%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

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

NFRX vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NFRX Harrison Street Infrastructure Active ETF	6.79%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	4.12%

Correlation

The correlation between NFRX and VPU is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2026	0.77

Return for Risk

NFRX vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NFRX

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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 29
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

NFRX vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harrison Street Infrastructure Active ETF (NFRX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	NFRX	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.02	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.43	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.18	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.65	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	3.51	—

Drawdowns

NFRX vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NFRX drawdown since its inception was -7.26%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NFRX and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NFRX	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.26%	-46.31%	+39.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.90%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.51%	-4.74%	+1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.69%	-7.78%	+5.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.16%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NFRX	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.20%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.54%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.91%	14.45%	-0.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.91%	17.03%	-3.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.91%	19.15%	-5.24%

NFRX vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NFRX has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

NFRX vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

NFRX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, less than VPU's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NFRX Harrison Street Infrastructure Active ETF	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.61%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NFRX and VPU in my portfolio?

NFRX and VPU have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NFRX or VPU?

On fees, VPU 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, NFRX or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for NFRX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NFRX or VPU?

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 0.22% for NFRX.

What is the main difference between NFRX and VPU?

They also come from different issuers: Harrison Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for NFRX and 0.09% for VPU.