VFMO vs. PXI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VFMO (Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF) and PXI (Invesco DWA Energy Momentum ETF) are both Momentum funds. VFMO is actively managed, while PXI is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFMO returned 14.06%/yr vs 20.30%/yr for PXI. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFMO charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PXI.

Performance

VFMO vs. PXI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) and Invesco DWA Energy Momentum ETF (PXI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VFMO achieves a 19.23% return, which is significantly lower than PXI's 29.33% return.

VFMO

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -4.23%
• 6M: 10.54%
• YTD: 19.23%
• 1Y: 31.44%
• 3Y*: 23.07%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: —

PXI

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 4.93%
• 6M: 21.82%
• YTD: 29.33%
• 1Y: 36.87%
• 3Y*: 14.84%
• 5Y*: 20.30%
• 10Y*: 5.99%

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

VFMO vs. PXI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	19.23%	17.39%	26.14%	16.25%	-12.84%	19.16%	31.36%	28.22%	-11.41%
PXI Invesco DWA Energy Momentum ETF	29.33%	3.86%	0.76%	5.48%	45.85%	75.05%	-35.91%	1.67%	-24.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VFMO and PXI is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.41
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 15, 2018	0.53

Over the past year, the correlation between VFMO and PXI has dropped to 0.21 - well below their long-term average of 0.53, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VFMO vs. PXI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFMO	PXI
Industrials	24.7%	0.9%
Healthcare	22.9%	-
Technology	17.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	-
Energy	7.3%	95.1%
Financial Services	6.5%	0.3%
Basic Materials	6.4%	4.9%
Communication Services	3.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	-
Utilities	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

VFMO vs. PXI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFMO

VFMO Risk / Return Rank: 55
VFMO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VFMO Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VFMO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VFMO Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
VFMO Martin Ratio Rank: 68

PXI

PXI Risk / Return Rank: 61
PXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
PXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PXI Omega Ratio Rank: 54
PXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
PXI Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

VFMO vs. PXI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) and Invesco DWA Energy Momentum ETF (PXI). 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.

	VFMO	PXI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.66	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	2.20	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.27	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	2.99	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.85	8.17	+1.67

VFMO vs. PXI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFMO Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the PXI Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFMO and PXI, 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

VFMO vs. PXI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFMO drawdown since its inception was -36.77%, smaller than the maximum PXI drawdown of -85.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMO and PXI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFMO	PXI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.77%	-85.08%	+48.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.98%	-12.40%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.40%	-30.74%	+6.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.80%	-33.47%	+7.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-79.55%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.89%	-5.78%	-3.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.70%	-29.31%	+21.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	4.52%	-1.32%

Volatility

VFMO vs. PXI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) has a higher volatility of 7.93% compared to Invesco DWA Energy Momentum ETF (PXI) at 6.64%. This indicates that VFMO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PXI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VFMO	PXI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.93%	6.64%	+1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.37%	17.57%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.09%	22.32%	+0.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.01%	33.07%	-11.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.67%	36.97%	-13.30%

VFMO vs. PXI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFMO has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than PXI's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFMO vs. PXI - Dividend Comparison

VFMO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, less than PXI's 1.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PXI Invesco DWA Energy Momentum ETF	1.27%	1.81%	1.52%	1.82%	3.14%	0.57%	1.72%	2.80%	0.93%	0.80%	0.73%	2.07%
VFMO Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF	0.62%	0.82%	0.72%	0.89%	1.72%	0.81%	0.45%	1.22%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFMO and PXI in my portfolio?

VFMO and PXI have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFMO or PXI?

VFMO has higher volatility (7.93%) compared to PXI (6.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMO dropped -36.77% vs PXI's -85.08%.

Which ETF is better, VFMO or PXI?

On 5-year performance, PXI leads with 20.30% vs 14.06% for VFMO. On fees, VFMO is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, PXI has been the lower-risk option at 6.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFMO or PXI?

Over the 5-year period, PXI has performed better with a 20.30% return vs 14.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFMO or PXI?

VFMO is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PXI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VFMO or PXI?

PXI has the higher dividend yield at 1.27%, compared with 0.62% for VFMO.

What is the main difference between VFMO and PXI?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for VFMO and 0.60% for PXI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PXI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.37), 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.