ISHP vs. VCR

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ISHP (First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF) and VCR (Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF) are both Consumer Discretionary Equities funds - ISHP tracks the S-Network Global E-Commerce Index while VCR tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Discretionary 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISHP returned 1.58%/yr vs 6.49%/yr for VCR. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISHP charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VCR.

Performance

ISHP vs. VCR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) and Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ISHP achieves a -10.97% return, which is significantly lower than VCR's 0.01% return.

ISHP

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -1.59%
• YTD: -10.97%
• 6M: -10.01%
• 1Y: -7.50%
• 3Y*: 11.42%
• 5Y*: 1.58%
• 10Y*: —

VCR

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 0.01%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 11.24%
• 3Y*: 15.28%
• 5Y*: 6.49%
• 10Y*: 13.55%

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

ISHP vs. VCR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISHP First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF	-10.97%	12.27%	24.17%	22.24%	-33.79%	30.09%	15.33%	19.74%	-2.04%	7.66%
VCR Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF	0.01%	5.77%	24.27%	40.38%	-35.15%	24.86%	48.36%	27.45%	-2.31%	22.82%

Correlation

The correlation between ISHP and VCR is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 12, 2016	0.64

The correlation between ISHP and VCR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

ISHP vs. VCR — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISHP

ISHP Risk / Return Rank: 5
ISHP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ISHP Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ISHP Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ISHP Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
ISHP Martin Ratio Rank: 6

VCR

VCR Risk / Return Rank: 19
VCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
VCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VCR Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VCR Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

ISHP vs. VCR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) and Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR). 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.

	ISHP	VCR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.44	0.61	-1.05
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.50	0.97	-1.47
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.94	1.12	-0.17
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.27	0.73	-1.00
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.59	2.28	-2.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISHP vs. VCR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISHP Sharpe Ratio is -0.44, which is lower than the VCR Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISHP and VCR, 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

	ISHP	VCR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.44	0.61	-1.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06	0.27	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	0.51	-0.21

Drawdowns

ISHP vs. VCR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISHP drawdown since its inception was -47.57%, smaller than the maximum VCR drawdown of -61.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISHP and VCR.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISHP	VCR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.57%	-61.54%	+13.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.75%	-15.59%	-9.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.75%	-27.36%	+2.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.57%	-39.20%	-8.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.20%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.21%	-4.54%	-13.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.65%	-9.40%	-3.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.39%	4.96%	+6.43%

Volatility

ISHP vs. VCR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) is 3.98%, while Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) has a volatility of 5.22%. This indicates that ISHP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VCR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ISHP	VCR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.98%	5.22%	-1.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.27%	13.06%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.13%	18.46%	-1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.29%	23.99%	+3.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.09%	22.41%	+1.68%

ISHP vs. VCR - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISHP has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VCR's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISHP vs. VCR - Dividend Comparison

ISHP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.50%, more than VCR's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISHP First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF	1.50%	1.34%	1.02%	1.58%	0.76%	0.53%	0.82%	1.16%	0.89%	1.65%	0.23%	0.00%
VCR Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF	0.73%	0.74%	0.74%	0.84%	0.98%	0.79%	1.71%	1.17%	1.37%	1.21%	1.60%	1.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISHP and VCR in my portfolio?

ISHP and VCR have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISHP or VCR?

VCR has higher volatility (5.22%) compared to ISHP (3.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISHP dropped -47.57% vs VCR's -61.54%.

Which ETF is better, ISHP or VCR?

On 5-year performance, VCR leads with 6.49% vs 1.58% for ISHP. On fees, VCR is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, ISHP has been the lower-risk option at 3.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISHP or VCR?

Over the 5-year period, VCR has performed better with a 6.49% return vs 1.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISHP or VCR?

VCR is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for ISHP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ISHP or VCR?

ISHP has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.73% for VCR.

What is the main difference between ISHP and VCR?

ISHP tracks S-Network Global E-Commerce Index, while VCR tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Discretionary 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for ISHP and 0.10% for VCR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.61 vs -0.44), 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.