HOMZ vs. VAW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HOMZ (Hoya Capital Housing ETF) and VAW (Vanguard Materials ETF) are both Materials funds - HOMZ tracks the Hoya Capital Housing 100 Index while VAW tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HOMZ returned 3.51%/yr vs 5.80%/yr for VAW. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HOMZ charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VAW.

Performance

HOMZ vs. VAW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hoya Capital Housing ETF (HOMZ) and Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HOMZ achieves a -3.23% return, which is significantly lower than VAW's 13.17% return.

HOMZ

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -0.25%
• YTD: -3.23%
• 6M: -6.20%
• 1Y: 4.91%
• 3Y*: 9.05%
• 5Y*: 3.51%
• 10Y*: —

VAW

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 2.57%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 16.23%
• 1Y: 22.68%
• 3Y*: 12.47%
• 5Y*: 5.80%
• 10Y*: 10.35%

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

HOMZ vs. VAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HOMZ Hoya Capital Housing ETF	-3.23%	2.72%	9.49%	36.49%	-28.14%	41.02%	15.80%	17.71%
VAW Vanguard Materials ETF	13.17%	12.30%	0.48%	13.67%	-11.80%	27.43%	19.44%	10.85%

Correlation

The correlation between HOMZ and VAW is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2019	0.77

The correlation between HOMZ and VAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

HOMZ vs. VAW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HOMZ	VAW
Real Estate	41.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	33.2%	8.3%
Financial Services	10.3%	-
Industrials	9.3%	1.0%
Basic Materials	3.2%	90.2%
Technology	1.7%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	0.7%	0.0%
Communication Services	0.4%	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

HOMZ vs. VAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

HOMZ

HOMZ Risk / Return Rank: 12
HOMZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
HOMZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
HOMZ Omega Ratio Rank: 12
HOMZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
HOMZ Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VAW

VAW Risk / Return Rank: 34
VAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
VAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VAW Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VAW Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

HOMZ vs. VAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hoya Capital Housing ETF (HOMZ) and Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW). 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.

	HOMZ	VAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.25	1.29	-1.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.54	1.86	-1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.22	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.29	1.70	-1.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.67	5.56	-4.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HOMZ vs. VAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HOMZ Sharpe Ratio is 0.25, which is lower than the VAW Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HOMZ and VAW, 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

	HOMZ	VAW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25	1.29	-1.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16	0.30	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.42	0.39	+0.03

Drawdowns

HOMZ vs. VAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HOMZ drawdown since its inception was -48.10%, smaller than the maximum VAW drawdown of -62.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HOMZ and VAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	HOMZ	VAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-48.10%	-62.17%	+14.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.71%	-13.42%	-3.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.91%	-23.21%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.76%	-25.50%	-8.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.13%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.58%	-3.79%	-8.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.74%	-9.63%	-0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.35%	4.09%	+3.26%

Volatility

HOMZ vs. VAW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hoya Capital Housing ETF (HOMZ) is 5.34%, while Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) has a volatility of 6.08%. This indicates that HOMZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VAW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HOMZ	VAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.34%	6.08%	-0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.56%	13.93%	-0.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.55%	17.65%	+1.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.47%	19.62%	+1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.99%	21.20%	+3.79%

HOMZ vs. VAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

HOMZ has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than VAW's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

HOMZ vs. VAW - Dividend Comparison

HOMZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.74%, more than VAW's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HOMZ Hoya Capital Housing ETF	2.74%	2.54%	2.13%	2.08%	2.03%	1.21%	3.18%	1.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VAW Vanguard Materials ETF	1.36%	1.55%	1.70%	1.72%	1.98%	1.44%	1.67%	1.94%	2.03%	1.63%	1.67%	2.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HOMZ and VAW in my portfolio?

HOMZ and VAW have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HOMZ or VAW?

VAW has higher volatility (6.08%) compared to HOMZ (5.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HOMZ dropped -48.10% vs VAW's -62.17%.

Which ETF is better, HOMZ or VAW?

On 5-year performance, VAW leads with 5.80% vs 3.51% for HOMZ. On fees, VAW is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, HOMZ has been the lower-risk option at 5.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HOMZ or VAW?

Over the 5-year period, VAW has performed better with a 5.80% return vs 3.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HOMZ or VAW?

VAW is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for HOMZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HOMZ or VAW?

HOMZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.74%, compared with 1.36% for VAW.

What is the main difference between HOMZ and VAW?

HOMZ tracks Hoya Capital Housing 100 Index, while VAW tracks MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Pettee Investors and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for HOMZ and 0.10% for VAW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VAW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 0.25), 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.