NSI vs. DBE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NSI (National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - NSI is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Alerian National Security Emerging Markets Index, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NSI returned 42.48% vs 84.41% for DBE. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NSI charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.

Performance

NSI vs. DBE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NSI achieves a 17.45% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 83.68% return.

NSI

• 1D: -1.59%
• 1M: 3.72%
• YTD: 17.45%
• 6M: 19.18%
• 1Y: 42.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBE

• 1D: 2.33%
• 1M: -5.45%
• YTD: 83.68%
• 6M: 74.95%
• 1Y: 84.41%
• 3Y*: 23.42%
• 5Y*: 19.66%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

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

NSI vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	17.45%	35.94%	-1.21%	4.68%
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	83.68%	-2.17%	2.96%	0.69%

Correlation

The correlation between NSI and DBE is -0.29, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	0.01

The correlation between NSI and DBE shifts across timeframes, from -0.29 (1 year) to 0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

NSI vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank

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

NSI

NSI Risk / Return Rank: 67
NSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
NSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
NSI Omega Ratio Rank: 68
NSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
NSI Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DBE

DBE Risk / Return Rank: 71
DBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
DBE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
DBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DBE Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

NSI vs. DBE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). 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.

	NSI	DBE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.31	2.43	-0.12
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	2.96	+0.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.40	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	5.89	-2.77
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.55	11.53	+0.02
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NSI vs. DBE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NSI Sharpe Ratio is 2.31, which is comparable to the DBE Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NSI and DBE, 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

	NSI	DBE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.31	2.43	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.67	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.43	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.24	0.09	+1.14

Drawdowns

NSI vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NSI drawdown since its inception was -18.77%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NSI and DBE.

Drawdown Indicators

	NSI	DBE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.77%	-86.69%	+67.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.66%	-14.41%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-60.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	-30.27%	+28.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.65%	-57.31%	+53.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	7.35%	-3.66%

Volatility

NSI vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) is 7.13%, while Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) has a volatility of 12.95%. This indicates that NSI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NSI	DBE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.13%	12.95%	-5.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.60%	30.86%	-15.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.51%	34.97%	-16.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.22%	29.39%	-11.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.22%	28.33%	-10.11%

NSI vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison

NSI has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

NSI vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison

NSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than DBE's 2.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	2.10%	3.86%	6.32%	3.87%	0.75%	0.00%	0.00%	1.79%	1.67%
NSI National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF	1.17%	1.69%	3.39%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NSI and DBE in my portfolio?

NSI and DBE have a correlation of -0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NSI or DBE?

DBE has higher volatility (12.95%) compared to NSI (7.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NSI dropped -18.77% vs DBE's -86.69%.

Which ETF is better, NSI or DBE?

On 1-year performance, DBE leads with 84.41% vs 42.48% for NSI. On fees, DBE is cheaper at 0.78% per year. On volatility, NSI has been the lower-risk option at 7.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NSI or DBE?

Over the 1-year period, DBE has performed better with a 84.41% return vs 42.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NSI or DBE?

DBE is cheaper with a 0.78% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for NSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NSI or DBE?

DBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.10%, compared with 1.17% for NSI.

What is the main difference between NSI and DBE?

NSI is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while DBE is Oil & Gas. NSI tracks Alerian National Security Emerging Markets Index, while DBE tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Tuttle and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for NSI and 0.78% for DBE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 2.31), 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.