SMOG vs. DBO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMOG (VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF) and DBO (Invesco DB Oil Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SMOG is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while DBO is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Crude Oil Index Excess Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SMOG returned 12.89%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for DBO. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMOG charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBO.

Performance

SMOG vs. DBO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) and Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMOG achieves a 10.83% return, which is significantly lower than DBO's 50.16% return. Over the past 10 years, SMOG has outperformed DBO with an annualized return of 12.89%, while DBO has yielded a comparatively lower 9.22% annualized return.

SMOG

• 1D: -3.46%
• 1M: -5.46%
• YTD: 10.83%
• 6M: 10.00%
• 1Y: 33.70%
• 3Y*: 8.57%
• 5Y*: -0.48%
• 10Y*: 12.89%

DBO

• 1D: -1.13%
• 1M: -18.58%
• YTD: 50.16%
• 6M: 47.74%
• 1Y: 36.30%
• 3Y*: 14.32%
• 5Y*: 10.16%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

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

SMOG vs. DBO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	10.83%	33.36%	-9.33%	1.42%	-29.92%	-2.75%	118.38%	38.86%	-10.18%	22.69%
DBO Invesco DB Oil Fund	50.16%	-11.71%	7.85%	-4.44%	13.04%	60.74%	-20.99%	28.05%	-15.22%	4.86%

Correlation

The correlation between SMOG and DBO is -0.18, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.01
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.07
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 9, 2007	0.29

The correlation between SMOG and DBO shifts across timeframes, from -0.18 (1 year) to 0.29 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SMOG vs. DBO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMOG

SMOG Risk / Return Rank: 52
SMOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SMOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SMOG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
SMOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
SMOG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

DBO

DBO Risk / Return Rank: 31
DBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
DBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
DBO Omega Ratio Rank: 30
DBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DBO Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

SMOG vs. DBO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) and Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO). 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.

	SMOG	DBO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.06	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	1.61	+0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.19	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	1.58	+1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.70	4.29	+5.40

SMOG vs. DBO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is higher than the DBO Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMOG and DBO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SMOG vs. DBO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMOG drawdown since its inception was -84.39%, smaller than the maximum DBO drawdown of -90.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMOG and DBO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMOG	DBO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.39%	-90.18%	+5.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.32%	-23.03%	+11.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.72%	-28.20%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.86%	-37.68%	-10.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.10%	-61.69%	+10.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.91%	-60.48%	+40.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-52.37%	-62.22%	+9.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	8.51%	-5.03%

Volatility

SMOG vs. DBO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is 9.15%, while Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO) has a volatility of 10.29%. This indicates that SMOG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMOG	DBO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.15%	10.29%	-1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.34%	29.36%	-12.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.70%	34.89%	-13.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.36%	32.54%	-7.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.74%	31.81%	-6.07%

SMOG vs. DBO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMOG has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is lower than DBO's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMOG vs. DBO - Dividend Comparison

SMOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, less than DBO's 2.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBO Invesco DB Oil Fund	2.34%	3.51%	4.68%	4.59%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	1.63%	1.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SMOG VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF	1.42%	1.57%	1.64%	1.58%	1.32%	0.44%	0.06%	0.00%	0.62%	1.25%	2.12%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMOG and DBO in my portfolio?

SMOG and DBO have a correlation of -0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMOG or DBO?

DBO has higher volatility (10.29%) compared to SMOG (9.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMOG dropped -84.39% vs DBO's -90.18%.

Which ETF is better, SMOG or DBO?

On 10-year performance, SMOG leads with 12.89% vs 9.22% for DBO. On fees, SMOG is cheaper at 0.61% per year. On volatility, SMOG has been the lower-risk option at 9.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMOG or DBO?

Over the 10-year period, SMOG has performed better with a 12.89% return vs 9.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMOG or DBO?

SMOG is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMOG or DBO?

DBO has the higher dividend yield at 2.34%, compared with 1.42% for SMOG.

What is the main difference between SMOG and DBO?

SMOG is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while DBO is Oil & Gas. SMOG tracks MVIS Global Low Carbon Energy Index, while DBO tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Crude Oil Index Excess Return. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for SMOG and 0.78% for DBO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs 1.06), 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.