ZACKS·2025-08-13 11:21Core Insights - The Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) is a passively managed fund launched on September 23, 2004, providing long-term investors with a low-cost, transparent, and tax-efficient investment vehicle in the energy sector [1][3]. Fund Overview - VDE has over $6.98 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Energy - Broad segment [3]. - The fund aims to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index, which includes large, mid-size, and small U.S. companies in the energy sector [3]. Cost Structure - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.09%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market [4]. - It offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.28% [4]. Sector Exposure and Holdings - VDE is heavily concentrated in the energy sector, with approximately 99.9% of its portfolio allocated to this sector [5]. - The largest holding is Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM), which constitutes about 22.62% of total assets, followed by Chevron Corp (CVX) and Conocophillips (COP) [6]. Performance Metrics - As of August 13, 2025, VDE has experienced a year-to-date loss of about 0.28% and a decline of approximately 1.99% over the past year [7]. - The fund has traded between $105.87 and $136.78 in the last 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.80 and a standard deviation of 24.23% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a higher risk profile [7]. Alternatives - VDE holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to energy ETFs [8]. - Other alternatives include the iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), with assets of $1.76 billion and $26.34 billion respectively [9].