PSI vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

PSI (Invesco Semiconductors ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSI is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Dynamic Semiconductors Intellidex Index, while VDE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSI returned 33.31%/yr vs 9.47%/yr for VDE. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PSI charges 0.56%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

PSI vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSI achieves a 93.40% return, which is significantly higher than VDE's 31.33% return. Over the past 10 years, PSI has outperformed VDE with an annualized return of 33.31%, while VDE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.47% annualized return.

PSI

• 1D: 5.16%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 93.40%
• 6M: 86.01%
• 1Y: 182.03%
• 3Y*: 52.78%
• 5Y*: 30.45%
• 10Y*: 33.31%

VDE

• 1D: 1.27%
• 1M: 3.82%
• YTD: 31.33%
• 6M: 29.93%
• 1Y: 44.64%
• 3Y*: 16.98%
• 5Y*: 20.26%
• 10Y*: 9.47%

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

PSI vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSI Invesco Semiconductors ETF	93.40%	36.32%	17.17%	49.06%	-34.43%	46.55%	56.75%	52.49%	-11.55%	40.16%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	31.33%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%

Correlation

The correlation between PSI and VDE is 0.03, 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	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2005	0.43

Over the past year, the correlation between PSI and VDE has dropped to 0.03 - well below their long-term average of 0.43, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PSI vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSI	VDE
Technology	97.6%	-
Industrials	2.4%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	99.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PSI vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSI

PSI Risk / Return Rank: 96
PSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
PSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
PSI Omega Ratio Rank: 94
PSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
PSI Martin Ratio Rank: 97

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 71
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

PSI vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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.

	PSI	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.64	2.21	+2.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.35	2.83	+1.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	1.35	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	11.84	3.80	+8.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	42.10	10.98	+31.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSI vs. VDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSI Sharpe Ratio is 4.64, which is higher than the VDE Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSI and VDE, 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

	PSI	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.64	2.21	+2.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80	0.77	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95	0.32	+0.63
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.58	0.28	+0.30

Drawdowns

PSI vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSI drawdown since its inception was -62.96%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSI and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSI	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.96%	-74.20%	+11.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.48%	-11.80%	-3.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.07%	-21.41%	-19.66%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.85%	-26.58%	-18.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.85%	-69.29%	+24.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.89%	-7.08%	+0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.93%	-19.96%	+4.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.34%	4.08%	+0.26%

Volatility

PSI vs. VDE - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI) has a higher volatility of 18.07% compared to Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) at 6.96%. This indicates that PSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSI	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.07%	6.96%	+11.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.42%	16.37%	+16.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.52%	20.36%	+19.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.19%	26.42%	+11.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.29%	29.93%	+5.36%

PSI vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSI has a 0.56% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSI vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

PSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than VDE's 2.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSI Invesco Semiconductors ETF	0.05%	0.10%	0.15%	0.40%	0.61%	0.14%	0.21%	0.52%	0.83%	0.21%	0.68%	0.16%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.39%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSI and VDE in my portfolio?

PSI and VDE have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSI or VDE?

PSI has higher volatility (18.07%) compared to VDE (6.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSI dropped -62.96% vs VDE's -74.20%.

Which ETF is better, PSI or VDE?

On 10-year performance, PSI leads with 33.31% vs 9.47% for VDE. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDE has been the lower-risk option at 6.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSI or VDE?

Over the 10-year period, PSI has performed better with a 33.31% return vs 9.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSI or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for PSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSI or VDE?

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 0.05% for PSI.

What is the main difference between PSI and VDE?

PSI is categorized as Semiconductors, while VDE is Energy Equities. PSI tracks Dynamic Semiconductors Intellidex Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.56% for PSI and 0.09% for VDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.64 vs 2.21), 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.