PWRD vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PWRD (TCW Transform Systems ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. PWRD is actively managed, while VDE is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.02, they often move in opposite directions. PWRD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

PWRD vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) 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, PWRD achieves a 19.81% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 32.24% return.

PWRD

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 3.10%
• YTD: 19.81%
• 6M: 18.04%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: 32.24%
• 6M: 29.32%
• 1Y: 45.53%
• 3Y*: 17.97%
• 5Y*: 20.43%
• 10Y*: 9.70%

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

PWRD vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	19.81%	7.66%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	32.24%	6.84%

Correlation

The correlation between PWRD and VDE is -0.02, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 30, 2025	-0.02

Return for Risk

PWRD vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 64
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

PWRD vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PWRD	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.33	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.32	0.28	+1.04

Drawdowns

PWRD vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWRD drawdown since its inception was -14.12%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWRD and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWRD	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.12%	-74.20%	+60.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.80%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.58%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-69.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-6.43%	+5.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.17%	-19.96%	+16.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.00%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PWRD	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.99%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.33%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.03%	20.38%	+3.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.03%	26.40%	-2.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.03%	29.93%	-5.90%

PWRD vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

PWRD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

PWRD vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

PWRD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.37%	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 PWRD and VDE in my portfolio?

PWRD and VDE have a correlation of -0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PWRD or VDE?

On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PWRD or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PWRD.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 0.00% for PWRD.

What is the main difference between PWRD and VDE?

They also come from different issuers: TCW and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PWRD and 0.09% for VDE.