FTXG vs. VDC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FTXG (First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - FTXG tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index while VDC tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXG returned -0.40%/yr vs 6.96%/yr for VDC. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTXG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDC.

Performance

FTXG vs. VDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) 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, FTXG achieves a 4.86% return, which is significantly lower than VDC's 6.86% return.

FTXG

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -2.12%
• YTD: 4.86%
• 6M: 3.69%
• 1Y: 0.50%
• 3Y*: -3.02%
• 5Y*: -0.40%
• 10Y*: —

VDC

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 6M: 6.42%
• 1Y: 5.06%
• 3Y*: 7.47%
• 5Y*: 6.96%
• 10Y*: 7.74%

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

FTXG vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	4.86%	-6.52%	-2.52%	-6.48%	6.15%	13.48%	6.63%	23.97%	-12.09%	5.64%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	6.86%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXG and VDC is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2016	0.65

The correlation between FTXG and VDC shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (all time) to 0.80 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXG vs. VDC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXG	VDC
Consumer Defensive	94.3%	97.3%
Basic Materials	4.2%	0.4%
Industrials	1.5%	0.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	1.7%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTXG vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXG

FTXG Risk / Return Rank: 9
FTXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 14
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

FTXG vs. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) 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.

	FTXG	VDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.04	0.40	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.15	0.67	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.08	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.05	0.55	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.09	1.09	-1.00

FTXG vs. VDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXG Sharpe Ratio is 0.04, which is lower than the VDC Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXG 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

FTXG vs. VDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXG drawdown since its inception was -31.52%, smaller than the maximum VDC drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXG and VDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXG	VDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.52%	-34.24%	+2.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-9.28%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.10%	-11.78%	-6.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.68%	-16.55%	-5.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-25.31%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.57%	-7.56%	-8.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.67%	-3.73%	-3.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.57%	4.65%	+0.92%

Volatility

FTXG vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) is 4.27%, while Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) has a volatility of 4.82%. This indicates that FTXG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXG	VDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	4.82%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.07%	10.20%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.94%	12.69%	+1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.48%	13.18%	+1.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.62%	14.68%	+1.94%

FTXG vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VDC's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXG vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison

FTXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, more than VDC's 2.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	2.78%	2.93%	2.75%	4.27%	1.50%	1.52%	1.35%	1.25%	1.37%	1.56%	0.30%	0.00%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.15%	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 FTXG and VDC in my portfolio?

FTXG and VDC have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXG or VDC?

VDC has higher volatility (4.82%) compared to FTXG (4.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXG dropped -31.52% vs VDC's -34.24%.

Which ETF is better, FTXG or VDC?

On 5-year performance, VDC leads with 6.96% vs -0.40% for FTXG. On fees, VDC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FTXG has been the lower-risk option at 4.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXG or VDC?

Over the 5-year period, VDC has performed better with a 6.96% return vs -0.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXG or VDC?

VDC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXG.

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

FTXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.78%, compared with 2.15% for VDC.

What is the main difference between FTXG and VDC?

FTXG tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXG and 0.09% for VDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.40 vs 0.04), 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.