VFH vs. PXE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VFH (Vanguard Financials ETF) and PXE (Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VFH is a Financials Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Financials 25/50 Index, while PXE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production Intellidex Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VFH returned 13.15%/yr vs 8.67%/yr for PXE. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFH charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for PXE.

Performance

VFH vs. PXE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFH achieves a -1.58% return, which is significantly lower than PXE's 29.40% return. Over the past 10 years, VFH has outperformed PXE with an annualized return of 13.15%, while PXE has yielded a comparatively lower 8.67% annualized return.

VFH

• 1D: 1.34%
• 1M: 4.13%
• YTD: -1.58%
• 6M: -1.74%
• 1Y: 9.92%
• 3Y*: 19.69%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: 13.15%

PXE

• 1D: 1.23%
• 1M: -1.79%
• YTD: 29.40%
• 6M: 22.73%
• 1Y: 23.42%
• 3Y*: 13.09%
• 5Y*: 17.47%
• 10Y*: 8.67%

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

VFH vs. PXE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VFH Vanguard Financials ETF	-1.58%	14.91%	30.44%	14.17%	-12.31%	35.22%	-1.96%	31.57%	-13.52%	19.99%
PXE Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF	29.40%	-2.82%	-1.86%	7.69%	58.32%	94.04%	-36.76%	-1.69%	-23.35%	1.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VFH and PXE is -0.04, 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	-0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2005	0.51

The correlation between VFH and PXE shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (1 year) to 0.51 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VFH vs. PXE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFH	PXE
Financial Services	96.8%	0.3%
Technology	2.1%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Healthcare	0.1%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	97.4%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VFH vs. PXE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFH

VFH Risk / Return Rank: 17
VFH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VFH Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
VFH Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VFH Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VFH Martin Ratio Rank: 16

PXE

PXE Risk / Return Rank: 33
PXE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
PXE Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
PXE Omega Ratio Rank: 27
PXE Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
PXE Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

VFH vs. PXE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) and Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE). 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.

	VFH	PXE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	0.97	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	1.40	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.17	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.52	1.93	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.35	4.49	-3.13

VFH vs. PXE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFH Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the PXE Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFH and PXE, 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

VFH vs. PXE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFH drawdown since its inception was -78.61%, smaller than the maximum PXE drawdown of -83.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFH and PXE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFH	PXE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.61%	-83.99%	+5.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.75%	-13.89%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.30%	-37.65%	+20.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.66%	-37.65%	+11.99%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.42%	-80.17%	+35.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.57%	-10.49%	+5.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.52%	-27.96%	+9.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.65%	5.96%	-0.31%

Volatility

VFH vs. PXE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is 4.33%, while Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) has a volatility of 8.96%. This indicates that VFH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PXE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFH	PXE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	8.96%	-4.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.41%	21.32%	-9.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.06%	27.70%	-12.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.34%	33.73%	-14.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.55%	36.99%	-14.44%

VFH vs. PXE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFH has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than PXE's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFH vs. PXE - Dividend Comparison

VFH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.48%, less than PXE's 2.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PXE Invesco Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production ETF	2.06%	2.98%	2.54%	2.78%	3.03%	1.86%	4.10%	1.70%	1.29%	1.54%	6.62%	2.58%
VFH Vanguard Financials ETF	1.48%	1.55%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	1.87%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.53%	1.63%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFH and PXE in my portfolio?

VFH and PXE have a correlation of -0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFH or PXE?

PXE has higher volatility (8.96%) compared to VFH (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFH dropped -78.61% vs PXE's -83.99%.

Which ETF is better, VFH or PXE?

On 10-year performance, VFH leads with 13.15% vs 8.67% for PXE. On fees, VFH is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VFH has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFH or PXE?

Over the 10-year period, VFH has performed better with a 13.15% return vs 8.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFH or PXE?

VFH is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for PXE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VFH or PXE?

PXE has the higher dividend yield at 2.06%, compared with 1.48% for VFH.

What is the main difference between VFH and PXE?

VFH is categorized as Financials Equities, while PXE is Energy Equities. VFH tracks MSCI US Investable Market Financials 25/50 Index, while PXE tracks Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production Intellidex Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VFH and 0.63% for PXE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PXE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs 0.51), 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.