VCLN vs. PCLN

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) and PCLN (Pictet Cleaner Planet ETF) are both Sustainable funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VCLN charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for PCLN.

Performance

VCLN vs. PCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and Pictet Cleaner Planet ETF (PCLN). 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 PCLN's 25.05% return.

VCLN

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

PCLN

• 1D: -2.10%
• 1M: -2.95%
• 6M: 18.17%
• YTD: 25.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCLN vs. PCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	13.17%	4.58%
PCLN Pictet Cleaner Planet ETF	25.05%	-1.27%

Correlation

The correlation between VCLN and PCLN 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2025	0.64

Return for Risk

VCLN vs. PCLN — 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

PCLN

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

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. PCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and Pictet Cleaner Planet ETF (PCLN). 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	PCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.56	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.21	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.47	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.06	—	—

Drawdowns

VCLN vs. PCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCLN drawdown since its inception was -45.66%, which is greater than PCLN's maximum drawdown of -12.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCLN and PCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCLN	PCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.66%	-12.34%	-33.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.62%	-6.94%	-12.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.82%	-2.70%	-21.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.33%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VCLN	PCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.18%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.38%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.05%	24.39%	+6.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.74%	24.39%	+3.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.74%	24.39%	+3.35%

VCLN vs. PCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCLN has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than PCLN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCLN vs. PCLN - Dividend Comparison

VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.85%, more than PCLN's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
PCLN Pictet Cleaner Planet ETF	0.06%	0.08%	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 PCLN in my portfolio?

VCLN and PCLN 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 ETF is better, VCLN or PCLN?

On fees, VCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCLN or PCLN?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for PCLN.

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

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.85%, compared with 0.06% for PCLN.

What is the main difference between VCLN and PCLN?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and Pictet. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for VCLN and 0.70% for PCLN.