NRGU vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NRGU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%), while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NRGU returned 87.62% vs 22.17% for VOO. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NRGU charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

NRGU vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NRGU achieves a 74.97% return, which is significantly higher than VOO's 8.09% return.

NRGU

• 1D: 2.72%
• 1M: -13.53%
• YTD: 74.97%
• 6M: 78.13%
• 1Y: 87.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOO

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 8.09%
• 6M: 6.78%
• 1Y: 22.17%
• 3Y*: 20.91%
• 5Y*: 13.02%
• 10Y*: 15.82%

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

NRGU vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	74.97%	-30.00%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	8.09%	12.63%

Correlation

The correlation between NRGU and VOO is -0.10, 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	-0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.08

The correlation between NRGU and VOO shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.08 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

NRGU vs. VOO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NRGU	VOO
Energy	100.0%	3.2%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Communication Services	-	10.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.5%
Financial Services	-	10.9%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Industrials	-	7.6%
Real Estate	-	1.8%
Technology	-	39.1%
Utilities	-	2.5%

Return for Risk

NRGU vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

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

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 38
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
NRGU Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 63
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 62
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

NRGU vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). 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.

	NRGU	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	1.80	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	2.45	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.33	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	2.50	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.94	11.08	-6.14

NRGU vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NRGU Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is lower than the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NRGU and VOO, 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

NRGU vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NRGU drawdown since its inception was -57.50%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NRGU and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	NRGU	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.50%	-33.99%	-23.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-42.71%	-8.90%	-33.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.69%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.52%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.99%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.65%	-3.23%	-36.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-25.68%	-3.68%	-22.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.80%	2.01%	+15.79%

Volatility

NRGU vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) has a higher volatility of 25.61% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 4.75%. This indicates that NRGU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NRGU	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	25.61%	4.75%	+20.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	62.83%	9.77%	+53.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	75.96%	12.39%	+63.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	89.05%	16.91%	+72.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	89.05%	18.02%	+71.03%

NRGU vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

NRGU has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

NRGU vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

NRGU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.05%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NRGU and VOO in my portfolio?

NRGU and VOO have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NRGU or VOO?

NRGU has higher volatility (25.61%) compared to VOO (4.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NRGU dropped -57.50% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, NRGU or VOO?

On 1-year performance, NRGU leads with 87.62% vs 22.17% for VOO. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NRGU or VOO?

Over the 1-year period, NRGU has performed better with a 87.62% return vs 22.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NRGU or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for NRGU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NRGU or VOO?

VOO has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.00% for NRGU.

What is the main difference between NRGU and VOO?

NRGU is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while VOO is S&P 500. NRGU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%), while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: BMO and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for NRGU and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 1.16), 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.