USAI vs. DVXE

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

USAI (Pacer American Energy Independence ETF) and DVXE (WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - USAI tracks the American Energy Independence Index while DVXE tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility XLE Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USAI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for DVXE.

Performance

USAI vs. DVXE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer American Energy Independence ETF (USAI) and WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF (DVXE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USAI achieves a 23.98% return, which is significantly lower than DVXE's 44.86% return.

USAI

• 1D: 1.47%
• 1M: -1.05%
• YTD: 23.98%
• 6M: 21.70%
• 1Y: 22.36%
• 3Y*: 26.68%
• 5Y*: 18.67%
• 10Y*: —

DVXE

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: -2.12%
• YTD: 44.86%
• 6M: 38.07%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USAI vs. DVXE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USAI Pacer American Energy Independence ETF	23.98%	-1.18%
DVXE WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF	44.86%	4.49%

Correlation

The correlation between USAI and DVXE is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.68

Return for Risk

USAI vs. DVXE — Risk / Return Rank

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

USAI

USAI Risk / Return Rank: 41
USAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
USAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
USAI Omega Ratio Rank: 38
USAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
USAI Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

USAI vs. DVXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer American Energy Independence ETF (USAI) and WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF (DVXE). 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.

	USAI	DVXE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.96	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.62	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	USAI	DVXE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	1.98	-1.47

Drawdowns

USAI vs. DVXE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USAI drawdown since its inception was -65.25%, which is greater than DVXE's maximum drawdown of -17.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USAI and DVXE.

Drawdown Indicators

	USAI	DVXE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.25%	-17.96%	-47.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.01%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.22%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.68%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.60%	-12.06%	+7.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.36%	-5.83%	-3.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.99%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USAI	DVXE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.69%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.27%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.81%	31.16%	-15.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.56%	31.16%	-10.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.31%	31.16%	-3.85%

USAI vs. DVXE - Expense Ratio Comparison

USAI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than DVXE's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

USAI vs. DVXE - Dividend Comparison

USAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.13%, while DVXE has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DVXE WEBs Energy XLE Defined Volatility ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USAI Pacer American Energy Independence ETF	4.13%	5.03%	3.62%	4.99%	5.41%	6.15%	7.67%	6.50%	5.56%	0.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USAI and DVXE in my portfolio?

USAI and DVXE have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, USAI or DVXE?

On fees, USAI is cheaper at 0.75% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, USAI or DVXE?

USAI is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVXE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USAI or DVXE?

USAI has the higher dividend yield at 4.13%, compared with 0.00% for DVXE.

What is the main difference between USAI and DVXE?

USAI tracks American Energy Independence Index, while DVXE tracks Syntax Defined Volatility XLE Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and WEBs. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for USAI and 0.89% for DVXE.