IJT vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IJT (iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Growth ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IJT is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, while VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IJT returned 11.60%/yr vs 25.49%/yr for VGT. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IJT charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

IJT vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IJT achieves a 21.22% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 23.32% return. Over the past 10 years, IJT has underperformed VGT with an annualized return of 11.60%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively higher 25.49% annualized return.

IJT

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 5.51%
• YTD: 21.22%
• 6M: 17.80%
• 1Y: 31.64%
• 3Y*: 16.70%
• 5Y*: 6.16%
• 10Y*: 11.60%

VGT

• 1D: -3.68%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 23.32%
• 6M: 21.50%
• 1Y: 46.82%
• 3Y*: 30.13%
• 5Y*: 19.51%
• 10Y*: 25.49%

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

IJT vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IJT iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Growth ETF	21.22%	5.26%	9.33%	17.11%	-21.32%	22.37%	19.22%	20.98%	-4.40%	14.47%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	23.32%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%

Correlation

The correlation between IJT and VGT is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.75

The correlation between IJT and VGT shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IJT vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IJT	VGT
Technology	21.2%	98.5%
Industrials	18.7%	0.4%
Healthcare	14.7%	0.0%
Financial Services	13.5%	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	0.1%
Real Estate	6.5%	-
Energy	3.8%	0.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	-
Basic Materials	3.0%	0.0%
Communication Services	2.9%	0.5%
Utilities	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

IJT vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IJT

IJT Risk / Return Rank: 61
IJT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
IJT Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
IJT Omega Ratio Rank: 51
IJT Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
IJT Martin Ratio Rank: 69

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 58
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

IJT vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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.

	IJT	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	2.07	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.61	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.35	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.50	2.87	+0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.23	8.76	+3.47

IJT vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IJT Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is comparable to the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IJT and VGT, 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

IJT vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IJT drawdown since its inception was -57.61%, which is greater than VGT's maximum drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IJT and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IJT	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.61%	-54.63%	-2.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.08%	-16.40%	+7.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.41%	-27.23%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.24%	-35.07%	+5.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.03%	-35.07%	-6.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-7.71%	+7.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.29%	-7.95%	-2.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	5.36%	-2.77%

Volatility

IJT vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) is 5.32%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 11.39%. This indicates that IJT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IJT	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.32%	11.39%	-6.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.00%	18.58%	-5.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.93%	22.72%	-4.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.55%	25.55%	-4.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.02%	24.77%	-1.75%

IJT vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IJT has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IJT vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

IJT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%, more than VGT's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJT iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Growth ETF	0.71%	0.91%	1.06%	1.02%	1.08%	0.63%	0.68%	0.92%	0.92%	0.86%	1.03%	1.14%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IJT and VGT in my portfolio?

IJT and VGT have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IJT or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (11.39%) compared to IJT (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IJT dropped -57.61% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, IJT or VGT?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.49% vs 11.60% for IJT. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IJT has been the lower-risk option at 5.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IJT or VGT?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.49% return vs 11.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IJT or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.18% for IJT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IJT or VGT?

IJT has the higher dividend yield at 0.71%, compared with 0.33% for VGT.

What is the main difference between IJT and VGT?

IJT is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while VGT is Technology Equities. IJT tracks S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.18% for IJT and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.78), 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.