RCTR vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

RCTR (First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - RCTR tracks the Bloomberg Nuclear Power Index while VDE tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.03, they often move in opposite directions. RCTR charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

RCTR vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) 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, RCTR achieves a 8.96% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 32.48% return.

RCTR

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: -6.46%
• YTD: 8.96%
• 6M: 4.46%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -1.99%
• YTD: 32.48%
• 6M: 28.99%
• 1Y: 48.54%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 20.47%
• 10Y*: 9.47%

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

RCTR vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RCTR First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF	8.96%	7.23%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	32.48%	4.52%

Correlation

The correlation between RCTR 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 1, 2025	-0.03

Return for Risk

RCTR 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: 71
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

RCTR vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) 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

	RCTR	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.32	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.76	0.28	+0.48

Drawdowns

RCTR vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RCTR drawdown since its inception was -14.66%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RCTR and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	RCTR	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.66%	-74.20%	+59.54%
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	-9.31%	-6.27%	-3.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.63%	-19.96%	+15.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.02%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RCTR	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.99%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.62%	20.34%	+6.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.62%	26.40%	+0.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.62%	29.93%	-3.31%

RCTR vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

RCTR has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

RCTR vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

RCTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.41%, less than VDE's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RCTR First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF	0.41%	0.36%	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 RCTR and VDE in my portfolio?

RCTR 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 ETF is better, RCTR 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, RCTR or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for RCTR.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 0.41% for RCTR.

What is the main difference between RCTR and VDE?

RCTR tracks Bloomberg Nuclear Power Index, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for RCTR and 0.09% for VDE.