VDE vs. USNG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) and USNG (Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. VDE is passively managed, while USNG is actively managed. Over the past year, VDE returned 31.01% vs 47.43% for USNG. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VDE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for USNG.

Performance

VDE vs. USNG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDE achieves a 23.55% return, which is significantly lower than USNG's 36.17% return.

VDE

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: -7.94%
• YTD: 23.55%
• 6M: 24.06%
• 1Y: 31.01%
• 3Y*: 16.13%
• 5Y*: 18.74%
• 10Y*: 8.90%

USNG

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -0.64%
• YTD: 36.17%
• 6M: 36.35%
• 1Y: 47.43%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VDE vs. USNG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	23.55%	9.45%
USNG Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF	36.17%	10.51%

Correlation

The correlation between VDE and USNG 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 20, 2025	0.45

VDE vs. USNG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDE	USNG
Energy	99.5%	79.2%
Basic Materials	0.4%	1.4%
Industrials	0.1%	12.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	1.8%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	4.7%

Return for Risk

VDE vs. USNG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 43
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

USNG

USNG Risk / Return Rank: 91
USNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
USNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
USNG Omega Ratio Rank: 86
USNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
USNG 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. USNG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG). 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.

	VDE	USNG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	2.86	-1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	3.85	-1.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.48	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.19	6.99	-4.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.75	21.05	-14.29

VDE vs. USNG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is lower than the USNG Sharpe Ratio of 2.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDE and USNG, 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

VDE vs. USNG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDE drawdown since its inception was -74.20%, which is greater than USNG's maximum drawdown of -6.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDE and USNG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDE	USNG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.20%	-6.82%	-67.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.20%	-6.82%	-7.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.59%	-0.64%	-11.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.94%	-1.52%	-18.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.61%	2.26%	+2.35%

Volatility

VDE vs. USNG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) has a higher volatility of 7.06% compared to Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) at 6.29%. This indicates that VDE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than USNG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDE	USNG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.06%	6.29%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.61%	12.47%	+4.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.80%	16.68%	+4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.37%	16.61%	+9.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.94%	16.61%	+13.33%

VDE vs. USNG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than USNG's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDE vs. USNG - Dividend Comparison

VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, more than USNG's 1.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USNG Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF	1.09%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.54%	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 USNG in my portfolio?

VDE and USNG 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, VDE or USNG?

VDE has higher volatility (7.06%) compared to USNG (6.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDE dropped -74.20% vs USNG's -6.82%.

Which ETF is better, VDE or USNG?

On 1-year performance, USNG leads with 47.43% vs 31.01% for VDE. On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, USNG has been the lower-risk option at 6.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VDE or USNG?

Over the 1-year period, USNG has performed better with a 47.43% return vs 31.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDE or USNG?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for USNG.

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

VDE has the higher dividend yield at 2.54%, compared with 1.09% for USNG.

What is the main difference between VDE and USNG?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Amplify. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VDE and 0.59% for USNG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USNG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.86 vs 1.51), 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.