TNUK vs. VDE

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

TNUK (Tortoise Nuclear Renaissance ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. TNUK is actively managed, while VDE is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. TNUK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

TNUK vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tortoise Nuclear Renaissance ETF (TNUK) 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, TNUK achieves a -2.15% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 25.04% return.

TNUK

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: -1.31%
• 6M: -11.64%
• YTD: -2.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: -3.57%
• 6M: 20.00%
• YTD: 25.04%
• 1Y: 27.93%
• 3Y*: 13.67%
• 5Y*: 20.00%
• 10Y*: 8.55%

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

TNUK vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TNUK Tortoise Nuclear Renaissance ETF	-2.15%	0.34%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	25.04%	0.83%

Correlation

The correlation between TNUK and VDE is -0.10, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2025	-0.10

TNUK vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TNUK	VDE
Industrials	47.8%	0.1%
Utilities	28.6%	0.1%
Energy	23.4%	99.4%
Basic Materials	0.1%	0.2%
Technology	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

TNUK vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

TNUK

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 46
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

TNUK vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tortoise Nuclear Renaissance ETF (TNUK) 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.

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.

	TNUK	VDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.39	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.90	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.23	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.91	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	5.26	—

Drawdowns

TNUK vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TNUK drawdown since its inception was -21.57%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TNUK and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	TNUK	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.57%	-74.20%	+52.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.04%	—
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	-18.30%	-11.53%	-6.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.25%	-19.92%	+10.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.45%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TNUK	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.70%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.58%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.96%	20.71%	+13.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.96%	26.29%	+7.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.96%	29.90%	+4.06%

TNUK vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

TNUK vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

TNUK has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TNUK Tortoise Nuclear Renaissance 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	2.59%	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 TNUK and VDE in my portfolio?

TNUK and VDE have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, TNUK 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, TNUK or VDE?

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

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 0.00% for TNUK.

What is the main difference between TNUK and VDE?

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