CRTC vs. VOX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CRTC (Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - CRTC tracks the Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index while VOX tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CRTC returned 23.78% vs 20.55% for VOX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CRTC charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VOX.

Performance

CRTC vs. VOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CRTC achieves a 8.59% return, which is significantly higher than VOX's -1.38% return.

CRTC

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 8.59%
• 6M: 8.79%
• 1Y: 23.78%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOX

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -2.77%
• YTD: -1.38%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 20.55%
• 3Y*: 24.02%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

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

CRTC vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	8.59%	18.69%	18.05%	7.18%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	-1.38%	26.27%	33.12%	5.27%

Correlation

The correlation between CRTC and VOX is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2023	0.74

The correlation between CRTC and VOX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

CRTC vs. VOX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CRTC	VOX
Technology	33.5%	1.2%
Communication Services	16.0%	98.4%
Healthcare	14.1%	0.0%
Industrials	14.1%	0.0%
Energy	7.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	0.2%
Utilities	6.0%	-
Basic Materials	2.6%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

CRTC vs. VOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CRTC

CRTC Risk / Return Rank: 55
CRTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
CRTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
CRTC Omega Ratio Rank: 53
CRTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
CRTC Martin Ratio Rank: 57

VOX

VOX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VOX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VOX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

CRTC vs. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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.

	CRTC	VOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.87	1.34	+0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.00	+0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.24	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	1.52	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.88	5.83	+4.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CRTC vs. VOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CRTC Sharpe Ratio is 1.87, which is higher than the VOX Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CRTC and VOX, 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

	CRTC	VOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.87	1.34	+0.54
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.36	0.43	+0.93

Drawdowns

CRTC vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CRTC drawdown since its inception was -19.07%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CRTC and VOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	CRTC	VOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.07%	-57.18%	+38.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.05%	-13.56%	+4.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.15%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.76%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.27%	-4.70%	+3.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.13%	-11.91%	+9.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.41%	3.54%	-1.13%

Volatility

CRTC vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF (CRTC) is 3.20%, while Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) has a volatility of 4.24%. This indicates that CRTC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CRTC	VOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.20%	4.24%	-1.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.64%	11.16%	-1.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.76%	15.45%	-2.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.73%	21.15%	-5.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.73%	20.89%	-5.16%

CRTC vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

CRTC has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

CRTC vs. VOX - Dividend Comparison

CRTC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, which matches VOX's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CRTC Xtrackers US National Critical Technologies ETF	1.00%	1.03%	1.13%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	1.00%	0.95%	1.05%	1.03%	0.88%	0.93%	0.73%	0.90%	2.77%	3.83%	2.67%	3.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CRTC and VOX in my portfolio?

CRTC and VOX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CRTC or VOX?

VOX has higher volatility (4.24%) compared to CRTC (3.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CRTC dropped -19.07% vs VOX's -57.18%.

Which ETF is better, CRTC or VOX?

On 1-year performance, CRTC leads with 23.78% vs 20.55% for VOX. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, CRTC has been the lower-risk option at 3.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CRTC or VOX?

Over the 1-year period, CRTC has performed better with a 23.78% return vs 20.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CRTC or VOX?

VOX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for CRTC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CRTC or VOX?

CRTC and VOX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.00%.

What is the main difference between CRTC and VOX?

CRTC tracks Solactive Whitney U.S. Critical Technologies Index, while VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for CRTC and 0.10% for VOX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CRTC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.87 vs 1.34), 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.