VCLN vs. PLDR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) and PLDR (Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF) are both Sustainable funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VCLN returned 17.94%/yr vs 17.17%/yr for PLDR. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

VCLN vs. PLDR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCLN achieves a 25.35% return, which is significantly higher than PLDR's 1.69% return.

VCLN

• 1D: -3.36%
• 1M: -6.42%
• YTD: 25.35%
• 6M: 23.25%
• 1Y: 72.58%
• 3Y*: 17.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PLDR

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 1.69%
• 6M: 0.88%
• 1Y: 15.57%
• 3Y*: 17.17%
• 5Y*: 8.99%
• 10Y*: —

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

VCLN vs. PLDR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	25.35%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%
PLDR Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF	1.69%	12.03%	23.47%	27.47%	-22.52%	4.41%

Correlation

The correlation between VCLN and PLDR is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.56

The correlation between VCLN and PLDR shifts across timeframes, from 0.44 (1 year) to 0.56 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VCLN vs. PLDR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VCLN	PLDR
Industrials	35.0%	8.4%
Utilities	34.9%	3.4%
Energy	18.1%	3.1%
Technology	9.9%	38.3%
Basic Materials	-	2.3%
Communication Services	-	11.1%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.3%
Financial Services	-	9.9%
Healthcare	-	7.5%
Real Estate	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

VCLN vs. PLDR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 81
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

PLDR

PLDR Risk / Return Rank: 34
PLDR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
PLDR Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
PLDR Omega Ratio Rank: 36
PLDR Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
PLDR Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. PLDR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) and Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR). 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	PLDR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	1.25	+1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.11	1.79	+1.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.23	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.05	1.23	+3.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.41	4.62	+13.79

VCLN vs. PLDR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCLN Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is higher than the PLDR Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCLN and PLDR, 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. PLDR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCLN drawdown since its inception was -45.66%, which is greater than PLDR's maximum drawdown of -29.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCLN and PLDR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCLN	PLDR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.66%	-29.58%	-16.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.45%	-12.81%	-1.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.25%	-23.00%	-6.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.58%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.96%	-3.21%	-7.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.91%	-8.57%	-15.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.95%	3.40%	+0.55%

Volatility

VCLN vs. PLDR - Volatility Comparison

Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a higher volatility of 11.33% compared to Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) at 3.62%. This indicates that VCLN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PLDR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCLN	PLDR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.33%	3.62%	+7.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.41%	9.83%	+11.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.43%	12.57%	+17.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.65%	17.10%	+10.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.65%	17.04%	+10.61%

VCLN vs. PLDR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VCLN and PLDR have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

VCLN vs. PLDR - Dividend Comparison

VCLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, more than PLDR's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PLDR Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF	0.37%	0.37%	0.38%	0.56%	0.63%	0.39%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.67%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCLN and PLDR in my portfolio?

VCLN and PLDR have a correlation of 0.44, 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 PLDR?

VCLN has higher volatility (11.33%) compared to PLDR (3.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCLN dropped -45.66% vs PLDR's -29.58%.

Which ETF is better, VCLN or PLDR?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 17.94% vs 17.17% for PLDR. Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. On volatility, PLDR has been the lower-risk option at 3.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCLN or PLDR?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 17.94% return vs 17.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCLN or PLDR?

VCLN and PLDR have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

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

VCLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.67%, compared with 0.37% for PLDR.

What is the main difference between VCLN and PLDR?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and Power Corporation of Canada.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.25), 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.