^SPLRCT vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

^SPLRCT (S&P 500 Information Technology Index) is an index, while VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) is Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Over the past 10 years, ^SPLRCT returned 25.87%/yr vs 25.78%/yr for VGT. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep.

Performance

^SPLRCT vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in S&P 500 Information Technology Index (^SPLRCT) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ^SPLRCT achieves a 27.76% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 31.64% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with ^SPLRCT having a 25.87% annualized return and VGT not far behind at 25.78%.

^SPLRCT

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 18.40%
• YTD: 27.76%
• 6M: 26.78%
• 1Y: 56.77%
• 3Y*: 35.03%
• 5Y*: 24.69%
• 10Y*: 25.87%

VGT

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: 18.07%
• YTD: 31.64%
• 6M: 30.51%
• 1Y: 60.15%
• 3Y*: 33.48%
• 5Y*: 22.23%
• 10Y*: 25.78%

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

^SPLRCT vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
^SPLRCT S&P 500 Information Technology Index	27.76%	23.31%	35.69%	56.39%	-28.91%	33.35%	42.21%	48.04%	-1.62%	36.91%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	31.64%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%

Correlation

The correlation between ^SPLRCT and VGT is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.98

The correlation between ^SPLRCT and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

^SPLRCT vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

^SPLRCT

^SPLRCT Risk / Return Rank: 83
^SPLRCT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
^SPLRCT Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
^SPLRCT Omega Ratio Rank: 89
^SPLRCT Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
^SPLRCT Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 76
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

^SPLRCT vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for S&P 500 Information Technology Index (^SPLRCT) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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.

	^SPLRCT	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.97	2.95	+0.02
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.69	3.63	+0.06
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.47	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	3.69	-0.46
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.79	11.77	-1.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

^SPLRCT vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ^SPLRCT Sharpe Ratio is 2.97, which is comparable to the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ^SPLRCT and VGT, 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

	^SPLRCT	VGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.97	2.95	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98	0.89	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.05	1.05	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.68	-0.18

Drawdowns

^SPLRCT vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ^SPLRCT drawdown since its inception was -82.51%, which is greater than VGT's maximum drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ^SPLRCT and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	^SPLRCT	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.51%	-54.63%	-27.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.41%	-16.40%	-2.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.91%	-27.23%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.27%	-35.07%	+0.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.27%	-35.07%	+0.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.48%	+1.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.38%	-7.95%	-21.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.05%	5.13%	+0.92%

Volatility

^SPLRCT vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for S&P 500 Information Technology Index (^SPLRCT) is 5.81%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 6.39%. This indicates that ^SPLRCT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	^SPLRCT	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.81%	6.39%	-0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.68%	16.07%	-0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.03%	20.57%	-0.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.24%	25.18%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.85%	24.60%	+0.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ^SPLRCT and VGT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, ^SPLRCT and VGT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, ^SPLRCT or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (6.39%) compared to ^SPLRCT (5.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ^SPLRCT dropped -82.51% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

^SPLRCT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.97 vs 2.95), 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.