GSBD vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GSBD (Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.) is a stock, while VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) is Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Over the past 10 years, GSBD returned 3.09%/yr vs 13.23%/yr for VIG. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

GSBD vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (GSBD) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GSBD achieves a -0.26% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 7.57% return. Over the past 10 years, GSBD has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of 3.09%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.23% annualized return.

GSBD

• 1D: -2.63%
• 1M: -11.35%
• YTD: -0.26%
• 6M: -5.02%
• 1Y: -7.45%
• 3Y*: 0.95%
• 5Y*: -3.30%
• 10Y*: 3.09%

VIG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 19.63%
• 3Y*: 16.49%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.23%

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

GSBD vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSBD Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.	-0.26%	-8.81%	-6.24%	20.97%	-20.13%	10.85%	0.71%	26.36%	-9.44%	1.96%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.57%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between GSBD and VIG is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 2015	0.35

The correlation between GSBD and VIG shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (1 year) to 0.46 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GSBD vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSBD

GSBD Risk / Return Rank: 25
GSBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
GSBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
GSBD Omega Ratio Rank: 22
GSBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
GSBD Martin Ratio Rank: 29

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 56
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

GSBD vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (GSBD) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.

	GSBD	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.37	1.97	-2.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.39	2.88	-3.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.95	1.35	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.41	2.49	-2.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.62	10.06	-10.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GSBD vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSBD Sharpe Ratio is -0.37, which is lower than the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSBD and VIG, 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

	GSBD	VIG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.37	1.97	-2.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.17	0.75	-0.92
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.10	0.83	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.12	0.60	-0.48

Drawdowns

GSBD vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSBD drawdown since its inception was -62.67%, which is greater than VIG's maximum drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSBD and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSBD	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.67%	-46.81%	-15.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.41%	-7.91%	-10.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.59%	-14.95%	-14.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.59%	-20.39%	-9.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-62.67%	-31.72%	-30.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-24.45%	-0.19%	-24.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.70%	-5.51%	-6.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.03%	1.96%	+10.07%

Volatility

GSBD vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (GSBD) has a higher volatility of 9.26% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.19%. This indicates that GSBD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSBD	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.26%	2.19%	+7.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.26%	7.57%	+8.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.16%	10.01%	+10.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.21%	14.23%	+4.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.98%	16.05%	+14.93%

Dividends

GSBD vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

GSBD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 19.10%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSBD Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.	19.10%	20.26%	14.88%	12.29%	13.12%	10.18%	9.41%	8.46%	9.79%	8.12%	7.65%	9.47%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSBD and VIG in my portfolio?

GSBD and VIG have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSBD or VIG?

GSBD has higher volatility (9.26%) compared to VIG (2.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSBD dropped -62.67% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs -0.37), 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.