VRAI vs. VCLN

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRAI (Virtus Real Asset Income ETF) and VCLN (Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VRAI is a REIT fund tracking the Indxx Real Asset Income Index, while VCLN is a Sustainable fund actively managed by Virtus Investment Partners. VRAI is passively managed, while VCLN is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VRAI returned 12.35%/yr vs 17.94%/yr for VCLN. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VRAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for VCLN.

Performance

VRAI vs. VCLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) 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, VRAI achieves a 20.17% return, which is significantly lower than VCLN's 25.35% return.

VRAI

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

VCLN

• 1D: -3.36%
• 1M: -6.42%
• YTD: 25.35%
• 6M: 23.25%
• 1Y: 72.58%
• 3Y*: 17.94%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VRAI vs. VCLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF	20.17%	6.67%	2.66%	6.12%	-9.96%	4.83%
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	25.35%	55.75%	-6.69%	-17.54%	-7.87%	-5.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VRAI and VCLN is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2021	0.51

Over the past year, the correlation between VRAI and VCLN has dropped to 0.16 - well below their long-term average of 0.51, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

VRAI vs. VCLN — 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

VCLN

VCLN Risk / Return Rank: 81
VCLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VCLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VCLN Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VCLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
VCLN Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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. VCLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) 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.

	VRAI	VCLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	2.41	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	3.11	-0.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.39	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.71	5.05	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.54	18.41	-3.87

VRAI vs. VCLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRAI Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the VCLN Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRAI 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

VRAI vs. VCLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRAI drawdown since its inception was -47.51%, roughly equal to the maximum VCLN drawdown of -45.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRAI and VCLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRAI	VCLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.51%	-45.66%	-1.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.82%	-14.45%	+9.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.89%	-29.25%	+12.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.34%	-10.96%	+8.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.03%	-23.91%	+13.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.56%	3.95%	-2.39%

Volatility

VRAI vs. VCLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is 3.28%, while Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) has a volatility of 11.33%. This indicates that VRAI 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

	VRAI	VCLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	11.33%	-8.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.29%	21.41%	-13.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.99%	30.43%	-18.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.61%	27.65%	-11.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.07%	27.65%	-5.58%

VRAI vs. VCLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is lower than VCLN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRAI vs. VCLN - Dividend Comparison

VRAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, more than VCLN's 1.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VCLN Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF	1.67%	2.01%	1.16%	1.14%	0.65%	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 VCLN in my portfolio?

VRAI and VCLN have a correlation of 0.16, 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 VCLN?

VCLN has higher volatility (11.33%) compared to VRAI (3.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRAI dropped -47.51% vs VCLN's -45.66%.

Which ETF is better, VRAI or VCLN?

On 3-year performance, VCLN leads with 17.94% 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 VCLN?

Over the 3-year period, VCLN has performed better with a 17.94% 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 VCLN?

VRAI is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for VCLN.

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

VRAI has the higher dividend yield at 2.92%, compared with 1.67% for VCLN.

What is the main difference between VRAI and VCLN?

VRAI is categorized as REIT, while VCLN is Sustainable. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for VRAI and 0.59% for VCLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 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.