VPU vs. DBE
VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VPU returned 9.09%/yr vs 11.58%/yr for DBE. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VPU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.
Performance
VPU vs. DBE - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 3.82% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 79.04% return. Over the past 10 years, VPU has underperformed DBE with an annualized return of 9.09%, while DBE has yielded a comparatively higher 11.58% annualized return.
VPU
- 1D
- 0.62%
- 1M
- -4.83%
- YTD
- 3.82%
- 6M
- 2.00%
- 1Y
- 12.13%
- 3Y*
- 13.74%
- 5Y*
- 9.24%
- 10Y*
- 9.09%
DBE
- 1D
- -2.52%
- 1M
- -6.01%
- YTD
- 79.04%
- 6M
- 69.31%
- 1Y
- 81.31%
- 3Y*
- 22.41%
- 5Y*
- 19.05%
- 10Y*
- 11.58%
VPU vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 3.82% | 16.46% | 23.04% | -7.45% | 1.06% | 17.40% | -0.74% | 24.89% | 4.38% | 12.44% |
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 79.04% | -2.17% | 2.96% | -12.14% | 33.77% | 57.56% | -25.91% | 19.72% | -12.95% | 5.21% |
Correlation
The correlation between VPU and DBE is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.14 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.02 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.03 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.04 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 8, 2007 | 0.15 |
The correlation between VPU and DBE shifts across timeframes, from -0.14 (1 year) to 0.15 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VPU vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank
VPU
DBE
VPU vs. DBE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). 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 | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.47 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.63 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.15 | 1.39 | -0.23 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.37 | 5.67 | -4.30 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.06 | 11.08 | -8.02 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VPU | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.86 | 2.33 | -1.47 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.54 | 0.65 | -0.11 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.48 | 0.41 | +0.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.53 | 0.09 | +0.44 |
Drawdowns
VPU vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and DBE.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VPU | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -46.31% | -86.69% | +40.38% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.90% | -14.41% | +5.51% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -17.34% | -23.89% | +6.55% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.15% | -38.74% | +13.59% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.42% | -60.84% | +24.42% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.68% | -32.03% | +25.35% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.78% | -57.30% | +49.52% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.97% | 7.37% | -3.40% |
Volatility
VPU vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is 5.42%, while Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) has a volatility of 13.05%. This indicates that VPU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VPU | DBE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.42% | 13.05% | -7.63% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.35% | 30.97% | -19.62% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.31% | 35.07% | -20.76% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.05% | 29.41% | -12.36% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.12% | 28.34% | -9.22% |
VPU vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison
VPU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.
Dividends
VPU vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison
VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, more than DBE's 2.16% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund | 2.16% | 3.86% | 6.32% | 3.87% | 0.75% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.79% | 1.67% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 2.67% | 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
VPU and DBE have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DBE has higher volatility (13.05%) compared to VPU (5.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPU dropped -46.31% vs DBE's -86.69%.
On 10-year performance, DBE leads with 11.58% vs 9.09% for VPU. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, DBE has performed better with a 11.58% return vs 9.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBE.
VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.16% for DBE.
VPU is categorized as Utilities Equities, while DBE is Oil & Gas. VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while DBE tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VPU and 0.78% for DBE.
DBE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 0.86), 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.
Find the right allocation for VPU and DBE
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer