GABUX vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GABUX (Gabelli Utilities Fund) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, GABUX returned 6.29%/yr vs 9.25%/yr for VPU. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GABUX charges 1.39%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

GABUX vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Utilities Fund (GABUX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GABUX achieves a 7.75% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 6.78% return. Over the past 10 years, GABUX has underperformed VPU with an annualized return of 6.29%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.25% annualized return.

GABUX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: -1.82%
• YTD: 7.75%
• 6M: 7.62%
• 1Y: 15.83%
• 3Y*: 12.40%
• 5Y*: 6.77%
• 10Y*: 6.29%

VPU

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 6.78%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 13.99%
• 3Y*: 14.85%
• 5Y*: 10.36%
• 10Y*: 9.25%

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

GABUX vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GABUX Gabelli Utilities Fund	7.75%	16.86%	14.38%	-6.59%	-5.40%	17.44%	-3.45%	18.37%	-2.83%	8.24%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	6.78%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between GABUX and VPU is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.88

The correlation between GABUX and VPU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GABUX vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GABUX

GABUX Risk / Return Rank: 35
GABUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
GABUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
GABUX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
GABUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
GABUX Martin Ratio Rank: 33

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 28
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

GABUX vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Utilities Fund (GABUX) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	GABUX	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	0.98	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	1.38	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.17	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	1.58	+0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.99	3.36	+3.63

GABUX vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GABUX Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GABUX and VPU, 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

GABUX vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GABUX drawdown since its inception was -48.88%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GABUX and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GABUX	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.88%	-46.31%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.14%	-8.90%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-17.34%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.98%	-25.15%	+1.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.64%	-36.42%	+2.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.19%	-4.02%	-1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.13%	-7.78%	-4.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.40%	4.17%	-1.77%

Volatility

GABUX vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Gabelli Utilities Fund (GABUX) is 3.53%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.15%. This indicates that GABUX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GABUX	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	5.15%	-1.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.40%	11.52%	-3.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.71%	14.44%	-3.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.65%	17.03%	-2.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.28%	19.15%	-2.87%

GABUX vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GABUX has a 1.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

GABUX vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

GABUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 18.20%, more than VPU's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GABUX Gabelli Utilities Fund	18.20%	18.27%	22.50%	16.89%	13.44%	11.03%	11.58%	9.31%	9.50%	8.45%	9.49%	9.66%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.59%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GABUX and VPU in my portfolio?

GABUX and VPU have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GABUX or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to GABUX (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GABUX dropped -48.88% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GABUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 0.98), 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.