VPU vs. AQMNX

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and AQMNX (AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class N) are both funds - VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while AQMNX is a Systematic Trend fund actively managed by AQR Funds. VPU is passively managed, while AQMNX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, VPU returned 8.85%/yr vs 4.71%/yr for AQMNX. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. VPU charges 0.09%/yr vs 2.97%/yr for AQMNX.

Performance

VPU vs. AQMNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class N (AQMNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 2.68% return, which is significantly lower than AQMNX's 12.24% return. Over the past 10 years, VPU has outperformed AQMNX with an annualized return of 8.85%, while AQMNX has yielded a comparatively lower 4.71% annualized return.

VPU

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -2.65%
• YTD: 2.68%
• 6M: 3.11%
• 1Y: 10.68%
• 3Y*: 12.74%
• 5Y*: 8.91%
• 10Y*: 8.85%

AQMNX

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 1.24%
• YTD: 12.24%
• 6M: 14.33%
• 1Y: 24.98%
• 3Y*: 12.16%
• 5Y*: 12.32%
• 10Y*: 4.71%

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

VPU vs. AQMNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.68%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%
AQMNX AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class N	12.24%	14.38%	7.96%	1.79%	35.16%	-1.31%	-0.62%	1.57%	-9.12%	-1.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VPU and AQMNX is 0.06, 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	0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.07
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.15
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.06
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2010	-0.00

The correlation between VPU and AQMNX shifts across timeframes, from -0.15 (5 years) to 0.06 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VPU vs. AQMNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 23
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 22
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 22

AQMNX

AQMNX Risk / Return Rank: 90
AQMNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
AQMNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
AQMNX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
AQMNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
AQMNX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

VPU vs. AQMNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class N (AQMNX). 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.

	VPU	AQMNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	2.84	-2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.09	3.85	-2.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.50	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.20	7.83	-6.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.66	26.39	-23.73
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VPU vs. AQMNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPU Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is lower than the AQMNX Sharpe Ratio of 2.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPU and AQMNX, 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

	VPU	AQMNX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75	2.84	-2.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	1.07	-0.55
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	0.46	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.38	+0.15

Drawdowns

VPU vs. AQMNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than AQMNX's maximum drawdown of -27.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and AQMNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPU	AQMNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.31%	-27.50%	-18.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-3.15%	-5.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	-13.70%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	-13.70%	-11.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.42%	-24.13%	-12.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.71%	-1.12%	-6.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-10.39%	+2.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.02%	0.99%	+3.03%

Volatility

VPU vs. AQMNX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a higher volatility of 5.56% compared to AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class N (AQMNX) at 2.61%. This indicates that VPU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AQMNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPU	AQMNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.56%	2.61%	+2.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.53%	6.70%	+4.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.38%	8.69%	+5.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	11.55%	+5.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	10.33%	+8.81%

VPU vs. AQMNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than AQMNX's 2.97% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPU vs. AQMNX - Dividend Comparison

VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.70%, more than AQMNX's 1.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AQMNX AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund Class N	1.83%	2.05%	3.61%	8.15%	12.59%	6.59%	4.17%	2.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.02%	6.30%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.70%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPU and AQMNX in my portfolio?

VPU and AQMNX have a correlation of 0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPU or AQMNX?

VPU has higher volatility (5.56%) compared to AQMNX (2.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPU dropped -46.31% vs AQMNX's -27.50%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AQMNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 vs 0.75), 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.