DGP vs. VDC

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

DGP (DB Gold Double Long Exchange Traded Notes) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGP is a Leveraged Commodities fund tracking the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index-Optimum Yield Gold (200%), while VDC is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGP returned 19.21%/yr vs 7.63%/yr for VDC. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DGP charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDC.

Performance

DGP vs. VDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DB Gold Double Long Exchange Traded Notes (DGP) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGP achieves a -4.85% return, which is significantly lower than VDC's 7.19% return. Over the past 10 years, DGP has outperformed VDC with an annualized return of 19.21%, while VDC has yielded a comparatively lower 7.63% annualized return.

DGP

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: -16.73%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: 0.37%
• 1Y: 52.74%
• 3Y*: 53.91%
• 5Y*: 29.00%
• 10Y*: 19.21%

VDC

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: -2.19%
• YTD: 7.19%
• 6M: 7.44%
• 1Y: 4.07%
• 3Y*: 8.08%
• 5Y*: 6.63%
• 10Y*: 7.63%

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

DGP vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGP DB Gold Double Long Exchange Traded Notes	-4.85%	141.40%	53.16%	16.97%	-5.54%	-11.29%	45.29%	32.27%	-7.48%	24.20%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	7.19%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between DGP and VDC is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.10
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2008	0.04

Return for Risk

DGP vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGP

DGP Risk / Return Rank: 31
DGP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
DGP Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
DGP Omega Ratio Rank: 36
DGP Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
DGP Martin Ratio Rank: 28

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 14
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

DGP vs. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DB Gold Double Long Exchange Traded Notes (DGP) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). 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.

	DGP	VDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	0.33	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	0.56	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.06	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	0.44	+0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.59	0.90	+2.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DGP vs. VDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGP Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is higher than the VDC Sharpe Ratio of 0.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGP and VDC, 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

	DGP	VDC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00	0.33	+0.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.51	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.55	0.52	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.67	-0.40

Drawdowns

DGP vs. VDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGP drawdown since its inception was -75.31%, which is greater than VDC's maximum drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGP and VDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGP	VDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.31%	-34.24%	-41.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.98%	-9.28%	-27.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.98%	-11.78%	-25.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-51.24%	-16.55%	-34.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.24%	-25.31%	-25.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.69%	-7.27%	-29.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-41.09%	-3.73%	-37.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.75%	4.53%	+10.22%

Volatility

DGP vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison

DB Gold Double Long Exchange Traded Notes (DGP) has a higher volatility of 10.97% compared to Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) at 4.47%. This indicates that DGP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGP	VDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.97%	4.47%	+6.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.99%	9.87%	+37.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	53.01%	12.43%	+40.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.91%	13.15%	+25.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.11%	14.65%	+20.46%

DGP vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGP has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VDC's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGP vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison

DGP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.14%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGP DB Gold Double Long Exchange Traded Notes	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.14%	2.26%	2.33%	2.65%	2.37%	2.14%	2.50%	2.44%	2.78%	2.52%	2.39%	2.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGP and VDC in my portfolio?

DGP and VDC have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGP or VDC?

DGP has higher volatility (10.97%) compared to VDC (4.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGP dropped -75.31% vs VDC's -34.24%.

Which ETF is better, DGP or VDC?

On 10-year performance, DGP leads with 19.21% vs 7.63% for VDC. On fees, VDC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDC has been the lower-risk option at 4.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGP or VDC?

Over the 10-year period, DGP has performed better with a 19.21% return vs 7.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGP or VDC?

VDC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for DGP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DGP or VDC?

VDC has the higher dividend yield at 2.14%, compared with 0.00% for DGP.

What is the main difference between DGP and VDC?

DGP is categorized as Leveraged Commodities, while VDC is Consumer Staples Equities. DGP tracks Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index-Optimum Yield Gold (200%), while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Deutsche Bank and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for DGP and 0.09% for VDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.00 vs 0.33), 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.