CGIC vs. VGK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CGIC (Capital Group International Core Equity ETF) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while VGK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. CGIC is actively managed, while VGK is passively managed. Over the past year, CGIC returned 30.79% vs 18.01% for VGK. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGIC charges 0.54%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

CGIC vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group International Core Equity ETF (CGIC) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGIC achieves a 12.85% return, which is significantly higher than VGK's 5.62% return.

CGIC

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: 5.13%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 6M: 15.39%
• 1Y: 30.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGK

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 5.62%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 18.01%
• 3Y*: 16.32%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

CGIC vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CGIC Capital Group International Core Equity ETF	12.85%	37.53%	-2.81%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	5.62%	35.83%	-3.76%

Correlation

The correlation between CGIC and VGK is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2024	0.94

The correlation between CGIC and VGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGIC vs. VGK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGIC	VGK
Financial Services	20.2%	23.9%
Technology	16.7%	8.3%
Industrials	13.9%	19.5%
Basic Materials	8.8%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	6.8%
Communication Services	7.3%	3.3%
Energy	6.2%	5.3%
Healthcare	5.6%	12.1%
Utilities	4.1%	4.8%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.5%

Return for Risk

CGIC vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGIC

CGIC Risk / Return Rank: 58
CGIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
CGIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
CGIC Omega Ratio Rank: 60
CGIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
CGIC Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 31
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

CGIC vs. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group International Core Equity ETF (CGIC) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). 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.

	CGIC	VGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	1.18	+0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	1.72	+1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.21	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	1.50	+1.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.54	5.56	+4.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGIC vs. VGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGIC Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is higher than the VGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGIC and VGK, 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

	CGIC	VGK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	1.18	+0.88
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.46	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.48	0.28	+1.20

Drawdowns

CGIC vs. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGIC drawdown since its inception was -13.10%, smaller than the maximum VGK drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGIC and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGIC	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.10%	-63.61%	+50.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.30%	-12.09%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.31%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-2.41%	+1.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.54%	-13.34%	+10.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	3.25%	-0.32%

Volatility

CGIC vs. VGK - Volatility Comparison

Capital Group International Core Equity ETF (CGIC) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) have volatilities of 5.82% and 5.73%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGIC	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.82%	5.73%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.82%	12.78%	+0.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.01%	15.40%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.14%	17.90%	-1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.14%	18.96%	-2.82%

CGIC vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGIC has a 0.54% expense ratio, which is higher than VGK's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGIC vs. VGK - Dividend Comparison

CGIC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.32%, less than VGK's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGIC Capital Group International Core Equity ETF	1.32%	1.60%	0.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.82%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGIC and VGK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, CGIC and VGK 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, CGIC or VGK?

CGIC has higher volatility (5.82%) compared to VGK (5.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGIC dropped -13.10% vs VGK's -63.61%.

Which ETF is better, CGIC or VGK?

On 1-year performance, CGIC leads with 30.79% vs 18.01% for VGK. On fees, VGK is cheaper at 0.06% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGIC or VGK?

Over the 1-year period, CGIC has performed better with a 30.79% return vs 18.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGIC or VGK?

VGK is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.54% for CGIC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGIC or VGK?

VGK has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 1.32% for CGIC.

What is the main difference between CGIC and VGK?

CGIC is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VGK is Europe Equities. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.54% for CGIC and 0.06% for VGK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CGIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.18), 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.