PLDR vs. VCLN

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PLDR (Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both Sustainable funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

PLDR vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

PLDR

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCLN

• 1D: -2.57%
• 1M: -10.99%
• 6M: 7.84%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 1Y: 48.20%
• 3Y*: 12.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PLDR vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PLDR Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF	1.69%	12.03%	23.47%	27.47%	-22.52%	4.41%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	13.17%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between PLDR and VCLN is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.56

The correlation between PLDR and VCLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (1 year) to 0.56 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PLDR vs. VCLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PLDR	VCLN
Technology	38.3%	29.6%
Communication Services	11.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Financial Services	9.9%	-
Industrials	8.4%	36.1%
Healthcare	7.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	-
Utilities	3.4%	33.5%
Energy	3.1%	0.8%
Basic Materials	2.3%	-
Real Estate	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

PLDR vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

PLDR

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

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 59
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

PLDR vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). 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.

	PLDR	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.56	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.21	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.27	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.47	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	9.06	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	PLDR	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-45.66%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.62%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-19.62%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-23.82%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.33%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PLDR	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	10.18%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	22.38%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	31.05%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	27.74%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	27.74%	—

PLDR vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PLDR and VCLN have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

PLDR vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

PLDR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.85%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PLDR Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF	0.37%	0.37%	0.38%	0.56%	0.63%	0.39%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.85%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLDR and VCLN in my portfolio?

PLDR and VCLN have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PLDR or VCLN?

Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PLDR or VCLN?

PLDR and VCLN have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PLDR or VCLN?

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.85%, compared with 0.37% for PLDR.

What is the main difference between PLDR and VCLN?

They also come from different issuers: Power Corporation of Canada and Virtus Investment Partners.