PFFL vs. NRGU

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

PFFL (ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN) and NRGU (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - PFFL is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the Solactive Preferred Stock ETF Index, while NRGU is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PFFL returned -1.27% vs 126.07% for NRGU. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PFFL charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for NRGU.

Performance

PFFL vs. NRGU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL) 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, PFFL achieves a -3.18% return, which is significantly lower than NRGU's 132.63% return.

PFFL

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: -2.90%
• 6M: -7.06%
• YTD: -3.18%
• 1Y: -1.27%
• 3Y*: 2.98%
• 5Y*: -6.80%
• 10Y*: —

NRGU

• 1D: 6.71%
• 1M: 31.49%
• 6M: 102.34%
• YTD: 132.63%
• 1Y: 126.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PFFL vs. NRGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PFFL ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN	-3.18%	-0.14%
NRGU MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN	132.63%	-30.00%

Correlation

The correlation between PFFL and NRGU is -0.06, 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	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	0.04

Return for Risk

PFFL vs. NRGU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFFL

PFFL Risk / Return Rank: 9
PFFL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
PFFL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PFFL Omega Ratio Rank: 8
PFFL Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PFFL Martin Ratio Rank: 9

NRGU

NRGU Risk / Return Rank: 58
NRGU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
NRGU Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
NRGU Omega Ratio Rank: 53
NRGU Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
NRGU Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

PFFL vs. NRGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL) 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.

	PFFL	NRGU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.08	1.65	-1.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.00	2.14	-2.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.27	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.11	2.89	-3.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.22	6.47	-6.69

PFFL vs. NRGU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFFL Sharpe Ratio is -0.08, which is lower than the NRGU Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFFL 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

PFFL vs. NRGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFFL drawdown since its inception was -80.68%, which is greater than NRGU's maximum drawdown of -57.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFFL and NRGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFFL	NRGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.68%	-57.50%	-23.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.92%	-43.89%	+31.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.51%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-40.36%	-19.77%	-20.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.69%	-26.04%	-2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.67%	19.57%	-13.90%

Volatility

PFFL vs. NRGU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL) is 4.10%, while MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index 3X Leveraged ETN (NRGU) has a volatility of 24.11%. This indicates that PFFL 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

	PFFL	NRGU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.10%	24.11%	-20.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.99%	63.88%	-52.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.91%	77.06%	-61.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.69%	89.11%	-65.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	54.94%	89.11%	-34.17%

PFFL vs. NRGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFFL has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than NRGU's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFFL vs. NRGU - Dividend Comparison

PFFL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.71%, while NRGU has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
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%
PFFL ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN	12.71%	13.27%	13.76%	13.71%	13.90%	8.82%	9.75%	11.21%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFFL and NRGU in my portfolio?

PFFL and NRGU have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFFL or NRGU?

NRGU has higher volatility (24.11%) compared to PFFL (4.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFFL dropped -80.68% vs NRGU's -57.50%.

Which ETF is better, PFFL or NRGU?

On 1-year performance, NRGU leads with 126.07% vs -1.27% for PFFL. On fees, PFFL is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, PFFL has been the lower-risk option at 4.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFFL or NRGU?

Over the 1-year period, NRGU has performed better with a 126.07% return vs -1.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFFL or NRGU?

PFFL is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for NRGU.

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

PFFL has the higher dividend yield at 12.71%, compared with 0.00% for NRGU.

What is the main difference between PFFL and NRGU?

PFFL is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while NRGU is Leveraged Equities. PFFL tracks Solactive Preferred Stock ETF Index, while NRGU tracks Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). They also come from different issuers: UBS and BMO. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for PFFL and 0.95% for NRGU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NRGU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs -0.08), 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.