VCLN vs. NRGD

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) and NRGD (MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners, while NRGD is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index (-300%). VCLN is actively managed, while NRGD is passively managed. Over the past year, VCLN returned 48.20% vs -73.89% for NRGD. At a correlation of -0.06, they often move in opposite directions. VCLN charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for NRGD.

Performance

VCLN vs. NRGD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NRGD). 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 higher than NRGD's -71.23% return.

VCLN

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

NRGD

• 1D: -12.87%
• 1M: -11.15%
• 6M: -67.30%
• YTD: -71.23%
• 1Y: -73.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCLN vs. NRGD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	13.17%	51.70%
NRGD MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	-71.23%	-35.40%

Correlation

The correlation between VCLN and NRGD is 0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.07
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 20, 2025	-0.06

The correlation between VCLN and NRGD shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (all time) to 0.07 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VCLN vs. NRGD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VCLN	NRGD
Industrials	36.1%	-
Utilities	33.5%	-
Technology	29.6%	-
Energy	0.8%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

VCLN vs. NRGD — 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

NRGD

NRGD Risk / Return Rank: 1
NRGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
NRGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
NRGD Omega Ratio Rank: 1
NRGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
NRGD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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. NRGD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NRGD). 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	NRGD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	-0.98	+2.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	-1.88	+4.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	0.80	+0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	-0.94	+3.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.06	-1.48	+10.54

VCLN vs. NRGD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCLN Sharpe Ratio is 1.56, which is higher than the NRGD Sharpe Ratio of -0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCLN and NRGD, 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. NRGD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCLN drawdown since its inception was -45.66%, smaller than the maximum NRGD drawdown of -89.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCLN and NRGD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCLN	NRGD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.66%	-89.64%	+43.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.62%	-78.53%	+58.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.62%	-89.44%	+69.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.82%	-60.82%	+37.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.33%	49.95%	-44.62%

Volatility

VCLN vs. NRGD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) is 10.18%, while MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NRGD) has a volatility of 26.28%. This indicates that VCLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NRGD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCLN	NRGD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.18%	26.28%	-16.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.38%	60.05%	-37.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.05%	75.76%	-44.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.74%	88.65%	-60.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.74%	88.65%	-60.91%

VCLN vs. NRGD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCLN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than NRGD's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCLN vs. NRGD - Dividend Comparison

VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.85%, while NRGD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
NRGD MicroSectors U.S. Big Oil Index -3X Inverse Leveraged ETN	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 NRGD in my portfolio?

VCLN and NRGD have a correlation of 0.07, 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 NRGD?

NRGD has higher volatility (26.28%) compared to VCLN (10.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCLN dropped -45.66% vs NRGD's -89.64%.

Which ETF is better, VCLN or NRGD?

On 1-year performance, VCLN leads with 48.20% vs -73.89% for NRGD. 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 NRGD?

Over the 1-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 48.20% return vs -73.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCLN or NRGD?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for NRGD.

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

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.85%, compared with 0.00% for NRGD.

What is the main difference between VCLN and NRGD?

VCLN is categorized as Sustainable, while NRGD is Leveraged Equities. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and BMO. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for VCLN and 0.95% for NRGD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.56 vs -0.98), 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.