PXE vs. FCG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PXE (Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF) and FCG (First Trust Natural Gas ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - PXE tracks the Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production Intellidex Index while FCG tracks the ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PXE returned 8.47%/yr vs 4.54%/yr for FCG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PXE charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for FCG.

Performance

PXE vs. FCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) and First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PXE achieves a 31.85% return, which is significantly higher than FCG's 26.42% return. Over the past 10 years, PXE has outperformed FCG with an annualized return of 8.47%, while FCG has yielded a comparatively lower 4.54% annualized return.

PXE

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: -3.64%
• YTD: 31.85%
• 6M: 23.37%
• 1Y: 37.75%
• 3Y*: 15.14%
• 5Y*: 18.34%
• 10Y*: 8.47%

FCG

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: -5.03%
• YTD: 26.42%
• 6M: 22.68%
• 1Y: 34.40%
• 3Y*: 12.37%
• 5Y*: 16.34%
• 10Y*: 4.54%

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

PXE vs. FCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PXE Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF	31.85%	-2.82%	-1.86%	7.69%	58.32%	94.04%	-36.76%	-1.69%	-23.35%	1.02%
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	26.42%	-2.28%	4.16%	2.55%	47.24%	98.49%	-23.20%	-15.76%	-34.81%	-11.38%

Correlation

The correlation between PXE and FCG is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2007	0.93

The correlation between PXE and FCG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

PXE vs. FCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PXE	FCG
Energy	97.4%	99.2%
Basic Materials	2.6%	-
Financial Services	0.3%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PXE vs. FCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PXE

PXE Risk / Return Rank: 41
PXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
PXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PXE Omega Ratio Rank: 34
PXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
PXE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

FCG

FCG Risk / Return Rank: 39
FCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FCG Omega Ratio Rank: 32
FCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FCG Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

PXE vs. FCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) and First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG). 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.

	PXE	FCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.29	+0.09
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	1.75	+0.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.21	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	2.85	+0.03
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.00	6.28	+0.72
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PXE vs. FCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PXE Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the FCG Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PXE and FCG, 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

	PXE	FCG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.38	1.29	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.49	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23	0.12	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	-0.11	+0.29

Drawdowns

PXE vs. FCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PXE drawdown since its inception was -83.99%, smaller than the maximum FCG drawdown of -97.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PXE and FCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PXE	FCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.99%	-97.20%	+13.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.89%	-13.07%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.65%	-29.44%	-8.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.65%	-33.33%	-4.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.17%	-85.04%	+4.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.80%	-74.51%	+65.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.00%	-65.37%	+37.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.71%	5.93%	-0.22%

Volatility

PXE vs. FCG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) and First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) have volatilities of 9.75% and 9.81%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PXE	FCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.75%	9.81%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.74%	20.13%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.49%	26.81%	+0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.66%	33.46%	+0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.99%	38.31%	-1.32%

PXE vs. FCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PXE has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than FCG's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PXE vs. FCG - Dividend Comparison

PXE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.02%, less than FCG's 2.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCG First Trust Natural Gas ETF	2.17%	2.86%	2.76%	3.25%	3.04%	1.73%	3.82%	2.87%	1.46%	1.56%	1.70%	4.79%
PXE Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF	2.02%	2.98%	2.54%	2.78%	3.03%	1.86%	4.10%	1.70%	1.29%	1.54%	6.62%	2.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PXE and FCG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, PXE and FCG 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, PXE or FCG?

FCG has higher volatility (9.81%) compared to PXE (9.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PXE dropped -83.99% vs FCG's -97.20%.

Which ETF is better, PXE or FCG?

On 10-year performance, PXE leads with 8.47% vs 4.54% for FCG. On fees, FCG is cheaper at 0.60% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PXE or FCG?

Over the 10-year period, PXE has performed better with a 8.47% return vs 4.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PXE or FCG?

FCG is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for PXE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PXE or FCG?

FCG has the higher dividend yield at 2.17%, compared with 2.02% for PXE.

What is the main difference between PXE and FCG?

PXE tracks Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production Intellidex Index, while FCG tracks ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for PXE and 0.60% for FCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 1.29), 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.