GFL vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

GFL (GFL Environmental Inc.) is a stock, while VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) is Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Over the past 5 years, GFL returned 3.24%/yr vs 19.33%/yr for VGT. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

GFL vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GFL Environmental Inc. (GFL) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GFL achieves a -13.21% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 22.32% return.

GFL

• 1D: 3.44%
• 1M: 4.28%
• YTD: -13.21%
• 6M: -13.79%
• 1Y: -25.42%
• 3Y*: 0.57%
• 5Y*: 3.24%
• 10Y*: —

VGT

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: -0.54%
• YTD: 22.32%
• 6M: 20.31%
• 1Y: 43.06%
• 3Y*: 29.77%
• 5Y*: 19.33%
• 10Y*: 25.39%

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

GFL vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GFL GFL Environmental Inc.	-13.21%	-3.44%	29.26%	18.24%	-22.65%	29.88%	67.01%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	22.32%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	44.18%

Correlation

The correlation between GFL and VGT is -0.04, 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	-0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2020	0.32

The correlation between GFL and VGT shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (1 year) to 0.34 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GFL vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

GFL

GFL Risk / Return Rank: 8
GFL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
GFL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
GFL Omega Ratio Rank: 9
GFL Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
GFL Martin Ratio Rank: 6

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 58
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

GFL vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GFL Environmental Inc. (GFL) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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.

	GFL	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.98	1.91	-2.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.34	2.44	-3.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.83	1.32	-0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.75	2.64	-3.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.54	8.02	-9.56

GFL vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GFL Sharpe Ratio is -0.98, which is lower than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GFL and VGT, 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

GFL vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GFL drawdown since its inception was -42.76%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GFL and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	GFL	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.76%	-54.63%	+11.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.20%	-16.40%	-17.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.88%	-27.23%	-7.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.76%	-35.07%	-7.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-27.68%	-8.46%	-19.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.48%	-7.95%	-6.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.53%	5.39%	+11.14%

Volatility

GFL vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GFL Environmental Inc. (GFL) is 9.43%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 11.37%. This indicates that GFL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GFL	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.43%	11.37%	-1.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.35%	18.52%	+3.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.05%	22.73%	+3.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.86%	25.55%	+4.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.98%	24.76%	+8.22%

Dividends

GFL vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

GFL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%, less than VGT's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GFL GFL Environmental Inc.	0.17%	0.14%	0.12%	0.15%	0.16%	0.11%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GFL and VGT in my portfolio?

GFL and VGT have a correlation of -0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GFL or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (11.37%) compared to GFL (9.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GFL dropped -42.76% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 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.