VPC vs. VCLN

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

VPC (Virtus Private Credit ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VPC is a Nontraditional Bonds fund tracking the Indxx Private Credit Index, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. VPC is passively managed, while VCLN is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VPC returned 0.37%/yr vs 10.72%/yr for VCLN. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VPC charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

VPC vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPC achieves a -9.62% return, which is significantly lower than VCLN's 10.88% return.

VPC

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 0.88%
• 6M: -12.85%
• YTD: -9.62%
• 1Y: -17.33%
• 3Y*: 0.37%
• 5Y*: 1.21%
• 10Y*: —

VCLN

• 1D: -3.61%
• 1M: -13.80%
• 6M: 5.09%
• YTD: 10.88%
• 1Y: 43.54%
• 3Y*: 10.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VPC vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VPC Virtus Private Credit ETF	-9.62%	-6.75%	10.52%	22.20%	-11.70%	5.71%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	10.88%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VPC and VCLN is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.41

Over the past year, the correlation between VPC and VCLN has dropped to 0.18 - well below their long-term average of 0.41, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VPC vs. VCLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPC

VPC Risk / Return Rank: 2
VPC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
VPC Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
VPC Omega Ratio Rank: 1
VPC Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VPC Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 50
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

VPC vs. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Private Credit ETF (VPC) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN). 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.

	VPC	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.28	1.40	-2.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.78	2.02	-3.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	1.24	-0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.76	2.06	-2.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.33	7.61	-8.94

VPC vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPC Sharpe Ratio is -1.28, which is lower than the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPC and VCLN, 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

VPC vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPC drawdown since its inception was -53.45%, which is greater than VCLN's maximum drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPC and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPC	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.45%	-45.66%	-7.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.76%	-21.25%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.86%	-28.81%	+3.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.95%	-21.25%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-23.81%	+15.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.08%	5.73%	+7.35%

Volatility

VPC vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Private Credit ETF (VPC) is 3.81%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a volatility of 9.52%. This indicates that VPC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPC	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	9.52%	-5.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.14%	22.73%	-11.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	31.22%	-17.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.59%	27.77%	-14.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.45%	27.77%	-7.32%

VPC vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPC has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPC vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

VPC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.11%, more than VCLN's 1.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.89%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VPC Virtus Private Credit ETF	16.11%	14.33%	11.26%	11.71%	10.74%	6.31%	10.06%	8.19%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPC and VCLN in my portfolio?

VPC and VCLN have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPC or VCLN?

VCLN has higher volatility (9.52%) compared to VPC (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPC dropped -53.45% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, VPC or VCLN?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 10.72% vs 0.37% for VPC. On fees, VCLN is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, VPC has been the lower-risk option at 3.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPC or VCLN?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 10.72% return vs 0.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPC or VCLN?

VCLN is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for VPC.

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

VPC has the higher dividend yield at 16.11%, compared with 1.89% for VCLN.

What is the main difference between VPC and VCLN?

VPC is categorized as Nontraditional Bonds, while VCLN is Sustainable. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for VPC and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs -1.28), 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.