IGE vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IGE (iShares North American Natural Resources ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGE returned 9.16%/yr vs 15.31%/yr for VTI. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

IGE vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGE achieves a 16.30% return, which is significantly higher than VTI's 10.35% return. Over the past 10 years, IGE has underperformed VTI with an annualized return of 9.16%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively higher 15.31% annualized return.

IGE

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: -5.61%
• YTD: 16.30%
• 6M: 16.09%
• 1Y: 31.04%
• 3Y*: 18.81%
• 5Y*: 16.68%
• 10Y*: 9.16%

VTI

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.36%
• 10Y*: 15.31%

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

IGE vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGE iShares North American Natural Resources ETF	16.30%	20.41%	7.55%	3.12%	33.24%	39.42%	-19.58%	17.16%	-21.59%	0.82%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.35%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between IGE and VTI is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2001	0.64

Over the past year, the correlation between IGE and VTI has dropped to 0.24 - well below their long-term average of 0.64, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IGE vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGE	VTI
Energy	70.1%	3.3%
Basic Materials	26.1%	1.9%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	9.7%
Healthcare	0.2%	9.0%
Industrials	0.1%	9.4%
Communication Services	-	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.3%
Financial Services	-	11.3%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Technology	-	37.0%
Utilities	-	2.1%

Return for Risk

IGE vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGE

IGE Risk / Return Rank: 61
IGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
IGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IGE Omega Ratio Rank: 52
IGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
IGE Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

IGE vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	IGE	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.89	2.14	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.90	-0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.38	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.54	3.06	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.85	13.68	-1.83

IGE vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGE Sharpe Ratio is 1.89, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGE and VTI, 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

IGE vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGE drawdown since its inception was -67.55%, which is greater than VTI's maximum drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGE and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGE	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.55%	-55.45%	-12.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.80%	-8.92%	+0.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.49%	-19.30%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.72%	-25.36%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.57%	-35.00%	-25.57%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.13%	-1.48%	-6.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.87%	-8.01%	-10.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	1.99%	+0.65%

Volatility

IGE vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) has a higher volatility of 5.31% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 4.74%. This indicates that IGE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGE	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.31%	4.74%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.97%	9.96%	+3.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.53%	12.76%	+3.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.40%	17.49%	+4.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.95%	18.35%	+6.60%

IGE vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGE vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

IGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, more than VTI's 1.02% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGE iShares North American Natural Resources ETF	2.05%	2.32%	2.54%	2.85%	2.96%	2.92%	3.34%	5.55%	2.68%	2.11%	1.66%	3.08%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGE and VTI in my portfolio?

IGE and VTI have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGE or VTI?

IGE has higher volatility (5.31%) compared to VTI (4.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGE dropped -67.55% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, IGE or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.31% vs 9.16% for IGE. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.74%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGE or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.31% return vs 9.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGE or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IGE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGE or VTI?

IGE has the higher dividend yield at 2.05%, compared with 1.02% for VTI.

What is the main difference between IGE and VTI?

IGE is categorized as Energy Equities, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. IGE tracks S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGE and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.89), 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.