VDE vs. PXJ

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) and PXJ (Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - VDE tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index while PXJ tracks the Dynamic Oil & Gas Services Intellidex Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VDE returned 9.47%/yr vs -1.42%/yr for PXJ. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VDE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for PXJ.

Performance

VDE vs. PXJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF (PXJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDE achieves a 32.48% return, which is significantly lower than PXJ's 48.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VDE has outperformed PXJ with an annualized return of 9.47%, while PXJ has yielded a comparatively lower -1.42% annualized return.

VDE

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -1.99%
• YTD: 32.48%
• 6M: 28.99%
• 1Y: 48.54%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 20.47%
• 10Y*: 9.47%

PXJ

• 1D: 1.31%
• 1M: -5.09%
• YTD: 48.10%
• 6M: 40.31%
• 1Y: 87.20%
• 3Y*: 26.31%
• 5Y*: 17.57%
• 10Y*: -1.42%

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

VDE vs. PXJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	32.48%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%
PXJ Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF	48.10%	8.74%	0.21%	14.44%	62.25%	11.28%	-44.31%	-0.32%	-39.82%	-23.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VDE and PXJ is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 27, 2005	0.89

The correlation between VDE and PXJ shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (1 year) to 0.89 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VDE vs. PXJ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDE	PXJ
Energy	99.5%	92.6%
Basic Materials	0.4%	-
Industrials	0.1%	5.2%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

VDE vs. PXJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 71
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 67

PXJ

PXJ Risk / Return Rank: 91
PXJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
PXJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
PXJ Omega Ratio Rank: 85
PXJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
PXJ Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

VDE vs. PXJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF (PXJ). 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.

	VDE	PXJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	3.34	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.06	4.08	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.51	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.13	8.68	-4.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.11	25.04	-12.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VDE vs. PXJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDE Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is comparable to the PXJ Sharpe Ratio of 3.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDE and PXJ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VDE	PXJ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.41	3.34	-0.93
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.51	+0.27
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32	-0.04	+0.35
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.28	-0.04	+0.32

Drawdowns

VDE vs. PXJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDE drawdown since its inception was -74.20%, smaller than the maximum PXJ drawdown of -94.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDE and PXJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDE	PXJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.20%	-94.82%	+20.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.80%	-10.10%	-1.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	-40.03%	+18.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	-40.03%	+13.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.29%	-87.72%	+18.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.27%	-66.16%	+59.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.96%	-55.67%	+35.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.02%	3.49%	+0.53%

Volatility

VDE vs. PXJ - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF (PXJ) have volatilities of 7.99% and 7.91%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDE	PXJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.99%	7.91%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.27%	18.32%	-2.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.34%	26.29%	-5.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.40%	34.57%	-8.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.93%	39.47%	-9.54%

VDE vs. PXJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than PXJ's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDE vs. PXJ - Dividend Comparison

VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, more than PXJ's 2.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PXJ Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF	2.18%	2.91%	3.34%	1.99%	0.65%	2.40%	4.72%	1.87%	0.99%	2.75%	1.18%	2.36%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.37%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDE and PXJ in my portfolio?

VDE and PXJ have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VDE or PXJ?

VDE has higher volatility (7.99%) compared to PXJ (7.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDE dropped -74.20% vs PXJ's -94.82%.

Which ETF is better, VDE or PXJ?

On 10-year performance, VDE leads with 9.47% vs -1.42% for PXJ. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VDE or PXJ?

Over the 10-year period, VDE has performed better with a 9.47% return vs -1.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDE or PXJ?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for PXJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VDE or PXJ?

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 2.18% for PXJ.

What is the main difference between VDE and PXJ?

VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index, while PXJ tracks Dynamic Oil & Gas Services Intellidex Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VDE and 0.63% for PXJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PXJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.34 vs 2.41), 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.