EPU vs. VDC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

EPU (iShares MSCI Peru ETF) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPU is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Peru Capped Index, 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, EPU returned 15.16%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for VDC. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EPU charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDC.

Performance

EPU vs. VDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) 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, EPU achieves a 21.02% return, which is significantly higher than VDC's 10.55% return. Over the past 10 years, EPU has outperformed VDC with an annualized return of 15.16%, while VDC has yielded a comparatively lower 8.03% annualized return.

EPU

• 1D: 2.12%
• 1M: 3.58%
• YTD: 21.02%
• 6M: 26.87%
• 1Y: 84.39%
• 3Y*: 46.38%
• 5Y*: 28.15%
• 10Y*: 15.16%

VDC

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 0.44%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 6M: 8.59%
• 1Y: 7.31%
• 3Y*: 9.05%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: 8.03%

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

EPU vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	21.02%	86.87%	21.73%	25.34%	2.05%	-11.81%	-4.31%	7.30%	-12.17%	29.70%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	10.55%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between EPU and VDC is 0.08, 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	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.15
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2009	0.30

Over the past year, the correlation between EPU and VDC has dropped to 0.08 - well below their long-term average of 0.30, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

EPU vs. VDC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPU	VDC
Basic Materials	52.7%	0.3%
Financial Services	28.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	1.8%
Real Estate	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	97.5%
Utilities	2.8%	-
Industrials	2.8%	0.3%
Communication Services	1.6%	-
Healthcare	1.2%	0.0%
Energy	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

EPU vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPU

EPU Risk / Return Rank: 82
EPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
EPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
EPU Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
EPU Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 19
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

EPU vs. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) 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.

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.

	EPU	VDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	0.58	+2.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	0.93	+2.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.11	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.07	0.79	+3.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.73	1.60	+10.13

EPU vs. VDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPU Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is higher than the VDC Sharpe Ratio of 0.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPU 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.

Drawdowns

EPU vs. VDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPU drawdown since its inception was -60.62%, which is greater than VDC's maximum drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPU and VDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPU	VDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.62%	-34.24%	-26.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.85%	-9.28%	-11.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.85%	-11.78%	-9.07%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.59%	-16.55%	-19.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.97%	-25.31%	-25.66%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.69%	-4.37%	-2.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.81%	-3.73%	-15.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.22%	4.57%	+2.65%

Volatility

EPU vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) has a higher volatility of 13.52% compared to Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) at 4.62%. This indicates that EPU'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

	EPU	VDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.52%	4.62%	+8.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.94%	10.02%	+16.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.04%	12.57%	+18.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.11%	13.17%	+11.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.64%	14.66%	+8.98%

EPU vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPU has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VDC's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPU vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison

EPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than VDC's 2.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	1.35%	1.63%	5.78%	4.17%	5.56%	3.13%	1.91%	2.67%	1.53%	3.30%	0.85%	1.90%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.08%	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 EPU and VDC in my portfolio?

EPU and VDC have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPU or VDC?

EPU has higher volatility (13.52%) compared to VDC (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPU dropped -60.62% vs VDC's -34.24%.

Which ETF is better, EPU or VDC?

On 10-year performance, EPU leads with 15.16% vs 8.03% for VDC. On fees, VDC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDC has been the lower-risk option at 4.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPU or VDC?

Over the 10-year period, EPU has performed better with a 15.16% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPU or VDC?

VDC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EPU.

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

VDC has the higher dividend yield at 2.08%, compared with 1.35% for EPU.

What is the main difference between EPU and VDC?

EPU is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while VDC is Consumer Staples Equities. EPU tracks MSCI All Peru Capped Index, while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EPU and 0.09% for VDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 0.58), 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.