VRAI vs. EIPX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRAI (Virtus Real Asset Income ETF) and EIPX (FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VRAI is a REIT fund tracking the Indxx Real Asset Income Index, while EIPX is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by First Trust. VRAI is passively managed, while EIPX is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VRAI returned 12.35%/yr vs 21.25%/yr for EIPX. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VRAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for EIPX.

Performance

VRAI vs. EIPX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) and FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF (EIPX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VRAI having a 20.17% return and EIPX slightly higher at 20.93%.

VRAI

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 20.17%
• 6M: 20.99%
• 1Y: 22.60%
• 3Y*: 12.35%
• 5Y*: 5.71%
• 10Y*: —

EIPX

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: -3.17%
• YTD: 20.93%
• 6M: 20.98%
• 1Y: 27.12%
• 3Y*: 21.25%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VRAI vs. EIPX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF	20.17%	6.67%	2.66%	6.12%	5.32%
EIPX FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF	20.93%	11.44%	19.11%	10.74%	1.77%

Correlation

The correlation between VRAI and EIPX is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2022	0.82

The correlation between VRAI and EIPX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VRAI vs. EIPX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRAI

VRAI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VRAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VRAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VRAI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VRAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
VRAI Martin Ratio Rank: 79

EIPX

EIPX Risk / Return Rank: 83
EIPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
EIPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
EIPX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
EIPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
EIPX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

VRAI vs. EIPX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) and FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF (EIPX). 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.

	VRAI	EIPX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.45	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	3.49	-0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.41	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.71	5.27	-0.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.54	16.25	-1.71

VRAI vs. EIPX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the EIPX Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRAI and EIPX, 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

VRAI vs. EIPX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRAI drawdown since its inception was -47.51%, which is greater than EIPX's maximum drawdown of -15.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRAI and EIPX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRAI	EIPX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.51%	-15.43%	-32.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.82%	-5.17%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.89%	-15.43%	-1.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.34%	-3.41%	+1.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.03%	-2.29%	-7.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.56%	1.67%	-0.11%

Volatility

VRAI vs. EIPX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is 3.28%, while FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF (EIPX) has a volatility of 3.61%. This indicates that VRAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EIPX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRAI	EIPX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	3.61%	-0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.29%	8.44%	-0.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.99%	11.17%	+0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.61%	15.02%	+1.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.07%	15.02%	+7.05%

VRAI vs. EIPX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than EIPX's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRAI vs. EIPX - Dividend Comparison

VRAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, more than EIPX's 2.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
EIPX FT Energy Income Partners Strategy ETF	2.70%	3.23%	3.27%	3.48%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF	2.92%	4.68%	7.13%	5.02%	4.48%	3.34%	3.91%	2.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRAI and EIPX in my portfolio?

VRAI and EIPX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VRAI or EIPX?

EIPX has higher volatility (3.61%) compared to VRAI (3.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRAI dropped -47.51% vs EIPX's -15.43%.

Which ETF is better, VRAI or EIPX?

On 3-year performance, EIPX leads with 21.25% vs 12.35% for VRAI. On fees, VRAI is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, VRAI has been the lower-risk option at 3.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VRAI or EIPX?

Over the 3-year period, EIPX has performed better with a 21.25% return vs 12.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VRAI or EIPX?

VRAI is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for EIPX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VRAI or EIPX?

VRAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.92%, compared with 2.70% for EIPX.

What is the main difference between VRAI and EIPX?

VRAI is categorized as REIT, while EIPX is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for VRAI and 0.95% for EIPX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EIPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.90), 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.