VCLN vs. BITI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) and BITI (ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners, while BITI is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Bloomberg Bitcoin Index. VCLN is actively managed, while BITI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, VCLN returned 12.22%/yr vs -30.65%/yr for BITI. At a correlation of -0.28, they often move in opposite directions. VCLN charges 0.59%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for BITI.

Performance

VCLN vs. BITI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCLN achieves a 13.17% return, which is significantly lower than BITI's 28.75% return.

VCLN

• 1D: -2.57%
• 1M: -10.99%
• 6M: 7.84%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 1Y: 48.20%
• 3Y*: 12.22%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BITI

• 1D: 2.65%
• 1M: 1.46%
• 6M: 34.68%
• YTD: 28.75%
• 1Y: 68.34%
• 3Y*: -30.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCLN vs. BITI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	13.17%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	10.20%
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	28.75%	-1.76%	-62.60%	-66.17%	3.39%

Correlation

The correlation between VCLN and BITI is -0.33, 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	-0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2022	-0.28

Return for Risk

VCLN vs. BITI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 59
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 53
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 64

BITI

BITI Risk / Return Rank: 57
BITI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
BITI Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
BITI Omega Ratio Rank: 50
BITI Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
BITI Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

VCLN vs. BITI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI). 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.

	VCLN	BITI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	1.56	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	2.13	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.26	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	2.72	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.06	6.78	+2.29

VCLN vs. BITI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is comparable to the BITI Sharpe Ratio of 1.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCLN and BITI, 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

VCLN vs. BITI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCLN drawdown since its inception was -45.66%, smaller than the maximum BITI drawdown of -92.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCLN and BITI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCLN	BITI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.66%	-92.16%	+46.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.62%	-25.28%	+5.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.25%	-84.63%	+55.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.62%	-85.94%	+66.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.82%	-68.34%	+44.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.33%	10.11%	-4.78%

Volatility

VCLN vs. BITI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) is 10.18%, while ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF (BITI) has a volatility of 11.38%. This indicates that VCLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BITI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCLN	BITI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.18%	11.38%	-1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.38%	34.25%	-11.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.05%	44.14%	-13.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.74%	52.28%	-24.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.74%	52.28%	-24.54%

VCLN vs. BITI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCLN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than BITI's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCLN vs. BITI - Dividend Comparison

VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.85%, less than BITI's 15.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BITI ProShares Short Bitcoin ETF	15.10%	1.60%	3.91%	3.33%	0.06%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.85%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCLN and BITI in my portfolio?

VCLN and BITI have a correlation of -0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCLN or BITI?

BITI has higher volatility (11.38%) compared to VCLN (10.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCLN dropped -45.66% vs BITI's -92.16%.

Which ETF is better, VCLN or BITI?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 12.22% vs -30.65% for BITI. On fees, VCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, VCLN has been the lower-risk option at 10.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCLN or BITI?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 12.22% return vs -30.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCLN or BITI?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 1.03% for BITI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCLN or BITI?

BITI has the higher dividend yield at 15.10%, compared with 1.85% for VCLN.

What is the main difference between VCLN and BITI?

VCLN is categorized as Sustainable, while BITI is Cryptocurrency. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for VCLN and 1.03% for BITI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

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