CIBR vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CIBR (First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - CIBR tracks the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index while VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CIBR returned 18.49%/yr vs 25.78%/yr for VGT. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CIBR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

CIBR vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) 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, CIBR achieves a 28.52% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 31.64% return. Over the past 10 years, CIBR has underperformed VGT with an annualized return of 18.49%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively higher 25.78% annualized return.

CIBR

• 1D: -2.81%
• 1M: 31.43%
• YTD: 28.52%
• 6M: 24.03%
• 1Y: 25.78%
• 3Y*: 28.32%
• 5Y*: 16.28%
• 10Y*: 18.49%

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)

CIBR vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	28.52%	13.06%	18.21%	39.71%	-26.46%	19.67%	50.53%	28.52%	1.47%	18.61%
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 CIBR and VGT is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 8, 2015	0.79

The correlation between CIBR and VGT shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (1 year) to 0.79 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

CIBR vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CIBR	VGT
Technology	94.0%	98.5%
Industrials	3.5%	0.4%
Communication Services	2.6%	0.5%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.3%
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CIBR vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

CIBR

CIBR Risk / Return Rank: 26
CIBR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
CIBR Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
CIBR Omega Ratio Rank: 29
CIBR Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
CIBR Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

CIBR vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) 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.

	CIBR	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	2.95	-1.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.56	3.63	-2.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.47	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.18	3.69	-2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.79	11.77	-8.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CIBR vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CIBR Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is lower than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CIBR 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

	CIBR	VGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.06	2.95	-1.89
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.89	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79	1.05	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.67	0.68	-0.01

Drawdowns

CIBR vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CIBR drawdown since its inception was -33.89%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CIBR and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	CIBR	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.89%	-54.63%	+20.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.99%	-16.40%	-5.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-27.23%	+5.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.89%	-35.07%	+1.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.89%	-35.07%	+1.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	-1.48%	-1.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.66%	-7.95%	-0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.25%	5.13%	+4.12%

Volatility

CIBR vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (CIBR) has a higher volatility of 10.90% compared to Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) at 6.39%. This indicates that CIBR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CIBR	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.90%	6.39%	+4.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.90%	16.07%	+4.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.50%	20.57%	+3.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.95%	25.18%	-0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.60%	24.60%	-1.00%

CIBR vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

CIBR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

CIBR vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

CIBR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, more than VGT's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CIBR First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF	0.45%	0.42%	0.29%	0.42%	0.31%	0.59%	1.10%	0.23%	0.23%	0.10%	0.77%	0.58%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CIBR and VGT in my portfolio?

CIBR and VGT have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CIBR or VGT?

CIBR has higher volatility (10.90%) compared to VGT (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CIBR dropped -33.89% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, CIBR or VGT?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.78% vs 18.49% for CIBR. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 6.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CIBR or VGT?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.78% return vs 18.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CIBR or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CIBR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CIBR or VGT?

CIBR has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.31% for VGT.

What is the main difference between CIBR and VGT?

CIBR tracks Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CIBR and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.06), 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.