VCLN vs. FRNW

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) and FRNW (Fidelity Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners, while FRNW is a Alternative Energy Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VCLN returned 19.29%/yr vs 9.14%/yr for FRNW. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCLN charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for FRNW.

Performance

VCLN vs. FRNW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCLN achieves a 29.71% return, which is significantly higher than FRNW's 25.27% return.

VCLN

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 29.71%
• 6M: 25.66%
• 1Y: 73.69%
• 3Y*: 19.29%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FRNW

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: -5.06%
• YTD: 25.27%
• 6M: 22.67%
• 1Y: 71.21%
• 3Y*: 9.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCLN vs. FRNW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	29.71%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	0.43%
FRNW Fidelity Clean Energy ETF	25.27%	53.20%	-21.11%	-19.64%	-11.46%	-2.52%

Correlation

The correlation between VCLN and FRNW is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2021	0.86

Over the past year, the correlation between VCLN and FRNW has dropped to 0.64 - well below their long-term average of 0.86, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VCLN vs. FRNW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VCLN	FRNW
Industrials	35.0%	28.3%
Utilities	34.9%	45.2%
Energy	18.1%	20.5%
Technology	9.9%	5.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

VCLN vs. FRNW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 80
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

FRNW

FRNW Risk / Return Rank: 82
FRNW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FRNW Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
FRNW Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FRNW Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FRNW Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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. FRNW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW). 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	FRNW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	2.69	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.16	3.35	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.41	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.13	5.04	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.99	16.80	+2.19

VCLN vs. FRNW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCLN Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is comparable to the FRNW Sharpe Ratio of 2.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCLN and FRNW, 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. FRNW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCLN drawdown since its inception was -45.66%, smaller than the maximum FRNW drawdown of -59.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCLN and FRNW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCLN	FRNW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.66%	-59.37%	+13.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.45%	-14.20%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.25%	-45.14%	+15.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.87%	-9.54%	+1.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.92%	-33.08%	+9.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.90%	4.25%	-0.35%

Volatility

VCLN vs. FRNW - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a higher volatility of 11.49% compared to Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) at 10.72%. This indicates that VCLN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FRNW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCLN	FRNW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.49%	10.72%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.11%	19.53%	+1.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.28%	26.66%	+3.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.62%	28.51%	-0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.62%	28.51%	-0.89%

VCLN vs. FRNW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCLN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than FRNW's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCLN vs. FRNW - Dividend Comparison

VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, more than FRNW's 1.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FRNW Fidelity Clean Energy ETF	1.09%	1.25%	1.43%	1.30%	0.69%	0.04%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.61%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCLN and FRNW in my portfolio?

VCLN and FRNW have a correlation of 0.64, 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 FRNW?

VCLN has higher volatility (11.49%) compared to FRNW (10.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCLN dropped -45.66% vs FRNW's -59.37%.

Which ETF is better, VCLN or FRNW?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 19.29% vs 9.14% for FRNW. On fees, FRNW is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FRNW has been the lower-risk option at 10.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCLN or FRNW?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 19.29% return vs 9.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCLN or FRNW?

FRNW is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for VCLN.

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

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 1.09% for FRNW.

What is the main difference between VCLN and FRNW?

VCLN is categorized as Sustainable, while FRNW is Alternative Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for VCLN and 0.39% for FRNW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRNW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 2.45), 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.