GII vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GII (SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - GII tracks the S&P Global Infrastructure while VPU tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GII returned 8.29%/yr vs 9.09%/yr for VPU. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GII charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

GII vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) 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, GII achieves a 8.32% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 3.82% return. Over the past 10 years, GII has underperformed VPU with an annualized return of 8.29%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.09% annualized return.

GII

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: -2.15%
• YTD: 8.32%
• 6M: 8.21%
• 1Y: 15.99%
• 3Y*: 16.21%
• 5Y*: 10.23%
• 10Y*: 8.29%

VPU

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: -4.83%
• YTD: 3.82%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 12.13%
• 3Y*: 13.74%
• 5Y*: 9.24%
• 10Y*: 9.09%

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

GII vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GII SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF	8.32%	21.79%	14.30%	5.90%	-0.54%	11.39%	-6.81%	26.32%	-10.08%	19.07%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	3.82%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between GII and VPU is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2007	0.68

The correlation between GII and VPU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

GII vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GII	VPU
Industrials	27.1%	0.2%
Utilities	26.5%	99.3%
Energy	21.5%	0.5%
Financial Services	4.5%	-
Technology	2.5%	-
Communication Services	0.3%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

GII vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GII

GII Risk / Return Rank: 47
GII Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
GII Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
GII Omega Ratio Rank: 43
GII Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
GII Martin Ratio Rank: 50

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 25
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

GII vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) 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.

	GII	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	0.86	+0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	1.24	+0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.15	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.70	1.37	+1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.34	3.06	+5.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GII vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GII Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GII 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GII	VPU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	0.86	+0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	0.54	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.48	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.53	-0.25

Drawdowns

GII vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GII drawdown since its inception was -50.98%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GII and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GII	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.98%	-46.31%	-4.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.94%	-8.90%	+2.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.31%	-17.34%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.67%	-25.15%	+4.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.84%	-36.42%	-6.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.03%	-6.68%	+2.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.52%	-7.78%	-3.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.92%	3.97%	-2.05%

Volatility

GII vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) is 3.84%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.42%. This indicates that GII 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

	GII	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.84%	5.42%	-1.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.80%	11.35%	-2.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.75%	14.31%	-3.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.11%	17.05%	-2.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.14%	19.12%	-1.98%

GII vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GII has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

GII vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

GII's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.70%, more than VPU's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GII SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF	2.70%	3.17%	3.23%	3.70%	3.07%	2.37%	2.66%	3.39%	3.31%	3.38%	3.11%	3.54%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.67%	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 GII and VPU in my portfolio?

GII and VPU have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GII or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.42%) compared to GII (3.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GII dropped -50.98% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, GII or VPU?

On 10-year performance, VPU leads with 9.09% vs 8.29% for GII. On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, GII has been the lower-risk option at 3.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GII or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, VPU has performed better with a 9.09% return vs 8.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GII or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GII.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GII or VPU?

GII has the higher dividend yield at 2.70%, compared with 2.67% for VPU.

What is the main difference between GII and VPU?

GII tracks S&P Global Infrastructure, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GII and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GII currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.86), 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.