IDGT vs. VPN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IDGT (iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF) and VPN (Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IDGT tracks the S&P Data Center, Tower REIT and Communications Equipment Index - Benchmark TR Gross while VPN tracks the Solactive Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IDGT returned 12.59%/yr vs 15.43%/yr for VPN. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IDGT charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for VPN.

Performance

IDGT vs. VPN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT) and Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDGT achieves a 48.60% return, which is significantly lower than VPN's 53.84% return.

IDGT

• 1D: 1.64%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 48.60%
• 6M: 47.03%
• 1Y: 58.23%
• 3Y*: 24.83%
• 5Y*: 12.59%
• 10Y*: 14.61%

VPN

• 1D: 1.69%
• 1M: 6.53%
• YTD: 53.84%
• 6M: 55.86%
• 1Y: 81.04%
• 3Y*: 36.86%
• 5Y*: 15.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

IDGT vs. VPN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IDGT iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF	48.60%	6.79%	26.71%	-6.09%	-17.90%	42.14%	25.82%
VPN Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF	53.84%	28.99%	14.92%	18.93%	-30.89%	20.35%	6.60%

Correlation

The correlation between IDGT and VPN is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2020	0.66

The correlation between IDGT and VPN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

IDGT vs. VPN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDGT	VPN
Technology	56.9%	30.6%
Real Estate	35.5%	58.0%
Communication Services	6.7%	10.5%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.9%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IDGT vs. VPN — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDGT

IDGT Risk / Return Rank: 86
IDGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
IDGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
IDGT Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IDGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
IDGT Martin Ratio Rank: 89

VPN

VPN Risk / Return Rank: 92
VPN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
VPN Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VPN Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VPN Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VPN Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

IDGT vs. VPN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT) and Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN). 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.

	IDGT	VPN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.75	3.54	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	4.19	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.55	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.49	6.32	+0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.73	19.47	-0.74

IDGT vs. VPN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDGT Sharpe Ratio is 2.75, which is comparable to the VPN Sharpe Ratio of 3.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDGT and VPN, 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

IDGT vs. VPN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDGT drawdown since its inception was -77.95%, which is greater than VPN's maximum drawdown of -38.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDGT and VPN.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDGT	VPN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-77.95%	-38.98%	-38.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.02%	-12.89%	+3.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.74%	-24.96%	+1.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.83%	-38.98%	+3.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.88%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.96%	0.00%	-4.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.88%	-12.28%	-7.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	4.18%	-1.06%

Volatility

IDGT vs. VPN - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT) and Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN) have volatilities of 9.03% and 9.19%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IDGT	VPN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.03%	9.19%	-0.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.48%	18.21%	-0.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.36%	23.08%	-1.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.34%	22.11%	+1.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.38%	22.07%	+1.31%

IDGT vs. VPN - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDGT has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than VPN's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDGT vs. VPN - Dividend Comparison

IDGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.72%, more than VPN's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDGT iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF	0.72%	1.17%	1.64%	0.37%	0.30%	0.28%	0.60%	0.42%	0.65%	0.57%	0.75%	0.72%
VPN Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF	0.71%	1.10%	1.72%	1.18%	2.57%	1.27%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDGT and VPN in my portfolio?

IDGT and VPN have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDGT or VPN?

VPN has higher volatility (9.19%) compared to IDGT (9.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDGT dropped -77.95% vs VPN's -38.98%.

Which ETF is better, IDGT or VPN?

On 5-year performance, VPN leads with 15.43% vs 12.59% for IDGT. On fees, IDGT is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, IDGT has been the lower-risk option at 9.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDGT or VPN?

Over the 5-year period, VPN has performed better with a 15.43% return vs 12.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDGT or VPN?

IDGT is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for VPN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDGT or VPN?

IDGT and VPN have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.72%.

What is the main difference between IDGT and VPN?

IDGT tracks S&P Data Center, Tower REIT and Communications Equipment Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while VPN tracks Solactive Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for IDGT and 0.50% for VPN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.54 vs 2.75), 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.