IXC vs. VGT

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

IXC (iShares Global Energy ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXC is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped 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, IXC returned 9.55%/yr vs 24.18%/yr for VGT. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IXC charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

IXC vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) 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, IXC achieves a 29.64% return, which is significantly higher than VGT's 20.44% return. Over the past 10 years, IXC has underperformed VGT with an annualized return of 9.55%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively higher 24.18% annualized return.

IXC

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: 7.63%
• 6M: 22.98%
• YTD: 29.64%
• 1Y: 39.73%
• 3Y*: 15.82%
• 5Y*: 21.62%
• 10Y*: 9.55%
• ALL TIME*: 8.36%

VGT

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -5.56%
• 6M: 19.62%
• YTD: 20.44%
• 1Y: 32.72%
• 3Y*: 27.18%
• 5Y*: 18.07%
• 10Y*: 24.18%
• ALL TIME*: 14.87%

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

IXC vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	29.64%	13.98%	1.95%	3.92%	48.51%	40.88%	-31.00%	12.67%	-14.85%	5.54%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	20.44%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%

Correlation

The correlation between IXC and VGT is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.44

The correlation between IXC and VGT shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.44 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IXC vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXC	VGT
Energy	99.5%	0.3%
Utilities	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Communication Services	-	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	98.6%

Return for Risk

IXC vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXC

IXC Risk / Return Rank: 75
IXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
IXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
IXC Omega Ratio Rank: 78
IXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
IXC Martin Ratio Rank: 63

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 51
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

IXC vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) 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.

	IXC	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	1.40	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	1.89	+0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.24	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	2.00	+0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.11	5.69	+2.42

IXC vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXC Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is higher than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXC 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

IXC vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXC drawdown since its inception was -67.88%, which is greater than VGT's maximum drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXC and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXC	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.88%	-54.63%	-13.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.36%	-16.40%	+1.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.06%	-27.23%	+8.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	-35.07%	+10.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.16%	-35.07%	-29.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.70%	-9.86%	+3.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.44%	-7.95%	-9.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.91%	5.76%	-0.85%

Volatility

IXC vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) is 6.05%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 8.37%. This indicates that IXC 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

	IXC	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.05%	8.37%	-2.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.78%	19.51%	-3.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.38%	23.50%	-4.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.39%	25.69%	-2.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.82%	24.81%	+2.01%

IXC vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXC has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXC vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

IXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.93%, more than VGT's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	2.93%	3.68%	4.56%	3.45%	4.76%	3.98%	4.86%	7.00%	3.51%	3.05%	2.86%	3.77%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.38%	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 IXC and VGT in my portfolio?

IXC and VGT have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXC or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (8.37%) compared to IXC (6.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXC dropped -67.88% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, IXC or VGT?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 24.18% vs 9.55% for IXC. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IXC has been the lower-risk option at 6.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXC or VGT?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 24.18% return vs 9.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXC or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for IXC.

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

IXC has the higher dividend yield at 2.93%, compared with 0.38% for VGT.

What is the main difference between IXC and VGT?

IXC is categorized as Energy Equities, while VGT is Technology Equities. IXC tracks S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped 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: 0.40% for IXC and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 vs 1.40), 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.