CGW vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CGW (Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGW is a Water Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Water Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CGW returned 9.98%/yr vs 15.14%/yr for VTI. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CGW charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

CGW vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGW achieves a -0.07% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return. Over the past 10 years, CGW has underperformed VTI with an annualized return of 9.98%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively higher 15.14% annualized return.

CGW

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: -0.07%
• 6M: -0.77%
• 1Y: 4.10%
• 3Y*: 9.64%
• 5Y*: 5.08%
• 10Y*: 9.98%

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

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

CGW vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CGW Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF	-0.07%	18.10%	4.55%	15.50%	-22.00%	31.70%	15.41%	34.04%	-10.47%	27.08%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between CGW and VTI is 0.60, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 14, 2007	0.80

The correlation between CGW and VTI shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.80 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CGW vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGW	VTI
Utilities	45.8%	2.1%
Industrials	44.6%	9.4%
Basic Materials	6.0%	1.9%
Energy	1.7%	3.3%
Technology	1.2%	37.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.5%	9.7%
Real Estate	0.2%	2.3%
Financial Services	0.0%	11.3%
Communication Services	-	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.3%
Healthcare	-	9.0%

Return for Risk

CGW vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGW

CGW Risk / Return Rank: 12
CGW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
CGW Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
CGW Omega Ratio Rank: 12
CGW Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
CGW Martin Ratio Rank: 13

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

CGW vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	CGW	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.31	1.90	-1.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.52	2.59	-2.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.34	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.38	2.73	-2.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.90	12.14	-11.24

CGW vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGW Sharpe Ratio is 0.31, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGW and VTI, 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

CGW vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGW drawdown since its inception was -57.24%, roughly equal to the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGW and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGW	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.24%	-55.45%	-1.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.86%	-8.92%	-1.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.24%	-19.30%	+3.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.74%	-25.36%	-7.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.72%	-35.00%	-0.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.55%	-2.85%	-5.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.83%	-8.01%	-1.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.54%	2.00%	+2.54%

Volatility

CGW vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) is 4.01%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that CGW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGW	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	4.95%	-0.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.51%	10.05%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.58%	12.83%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.82%	17.51%	-0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.63%	18.32%	-0.69%

CGW vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGW has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGW vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

CGW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.58%, more than VTI's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGW Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF	1.58%	1.58%	2.27%	1.55%	1.45%	1.59%	1.41%	1.48%	2.14%	1.71%	1.65%	1.67%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGW and VTI in my portfolio?

CGW and VTI have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGW or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to CGW (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGW dropped -57.24% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, CGW or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.14% vs 9.98% for CGW. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, CGW has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGW or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.14% return vs 9.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGW or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for CGW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGW or VTI?

CGW has the higher dividend yield at 1.58%, compared with 1.04% for VTI.

What is the main difference between CGW and VTI?

CGW is categorized as Water Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. CGW tracks S&P Global Water Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for CGW and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 0.30), 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.