OILU vs. NRGU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

OILU (MicroSectors Oil & Gas Exploration & Production 3X Leveraged ETN) and NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - OILU is a Leveraged Commodities fund managed by BMO, while NRGU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). Over the past year, OILU returned 39.41% vs 61.72% for NRGU. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.95% expense ratio.

Performance

OILU vs. NRGU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, OILU achieves a 51.45% return, which is significantly lower than NRGU's 75.49% return.

OILU

• 1D: 4.46%
• 1M: -26.24%
• YTD: 51.45%
• 6M: 55.78%
• 1Y: 39.41%
• 3Y*: 4.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NRGU

• 1D: 5.64%
• 1M: -22.47%
• YTD: 75.49%
• 6M: 77.93%
• 1Y: 61.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

OILU vs. NRGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
OILU MicroSectors Oil & Gas Exploration & Production 3X Leveraged ETN	51.45%	-29.03%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	75.49%	-30.00%

Correlation

The correlation between OILU and NRGU is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.95

The correlation between OILU and NRGU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

OILU vs. NRGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

OILU

OILU Risk / Return Rank: 21
OILU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
OILU Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
OILU Omega Ratio Rank: 20
OILU Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
OILU Martin Ratio Rank: 22

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 27
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 27
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
NRGU 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.

OILU vs. NRGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MicroSectors Oil & Gas Exploration & Production 3X Leveraged ETN (OILU) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU). 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.

	OILU	NRGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	0.81	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.18	1.46	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.18	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.91	1.45	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.64	3.58	-0.94

OILU vs. NRGU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current OILU Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is comparable to the NRGU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of OILU and NRGU, 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

OILU vs. NRGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OILU drawdown since its inception was -81.00%, which is greater than NRGU's maximum drawdown of -57.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OILU and NRGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	OILU	NRGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.00%	-57.50%	-23.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-43.74%	-42.71%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-69.09%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-59.27%	-39.48%	-19.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-50.58%	-25.55%	-25.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.21%	17.39%	-2.18%

Volatility

OILU vs. NRGU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MicroSectors Oil & Gas Exploration & Production 3X Leveraged ETN (OILU) is 21.80%, while MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) has a volatility of 27.45%. This indicates that OILU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NRGU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	OILU	NRGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.80%	27.45%	-5.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	51.07%	62.96%	-11.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	63.69%	76.67%	-12.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	81.13%	89.31%	-8.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	81.13%	89.31%	-8.18%

OILU vs. NRGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both OILU and NRGU have an expense ratio of 0.95%.

Dividends

OILU vs. NRGU - Dividend Comparison

Neither OILU nor NRGU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both OILU and NRGU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, OILU and NRGU move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, OILU or NRGU?

NRGU has higher volatility (27.45%) compared to OILU (21.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, OILU dropped -81.00% vs NRGU's -57.50%.

Which ETF is better, OILU or NRGU?

On 1-year performance, NRGU leads with 61.72% vs 39.41% for OILU. Both ETFs have the same 0.95% expense ratio. On volatility, OILU has been the lower-risk option at 21.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, OILU or NRGU?

Over the 1-year period, NRGU has performed better with a 61.72% return vs 39.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, OILU or NRGU?

OILU and NRGU have the same expense ratio: 0.95% per year.

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

OILU and NRGU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between OILU and NRGU?

OILU is categorized as Leveraged Commodities, while NRGU is Leveraged Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NRGU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 vs 0.62), 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.