IXC vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IXC (iShares Global Energy ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXC is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped Index, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXC returned 10.05%/yr vs 13.24%/yr for VIG. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IXC charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

IXC vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXC achieves a 29.17% return, which is significantly higher than VIG's 7.68% return. Over the past 10 years, IXC has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of 10.05%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.24% annualized return.

IXC

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -3.42%
• YTD: 29.17%
• 6M: 28.84%
• 1Y: 36.66%
• 3Y*: 17.43%
• 5Y*: 19.14%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

VIG

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 2.76%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 19.52%
• 3Y*: 15.98%
• 5Y*: 10.74%
• 10Y*: 13.24%

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

IXC vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	29.17%	13.98%	1.95%	3.92%	48.51%	40.88%	-31.00%	12.67%	-14.85%	5.54%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.68%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between IXC and VIG is 0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.05
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2006	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between IXC and VIG has dropped to 0.05 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IXC vs. VIG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXC	VIG
Energy	100.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	-	3.5%
Communication Services	-	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	-	4.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	10.1%
Financial Services	-	20.6%
Healthcare	-	16.5%
Industrials	-	11.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	26.2%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

IXC vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXC

IXC Risk / Return Rank: 73
IXC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IXC Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IXC Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IXC Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
IXC Martin Ratio Rank: 71

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 60
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	1.80	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.61	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.32	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.05	2.32	+1.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.55	9.34	+2.21

IXC vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXC Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXC and VIG, 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. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXC drawdown since its inception was -67.88%, which is greater than VIG's maximum drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXC and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXC	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.88%	-46.81%	-21.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.66%	-7.91%	-1.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.06%	-14.95%	-4.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	-20.39%	-4.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.16%	-31.72%	-32.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.04%	-0.33%	-6.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.47%	-5.51%	-11.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.38%	1.96%	+1.42%

Volatility

IXC vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) has a higher volatility of 6.44% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.93%. This indicates that IXC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXC	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.44%	2.93%	+3.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.63%	7.78%	+7.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.79%	10.19%	+8.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.53%	14.25%	+9.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.84%	16.06%	+10.78%

IXC vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXC has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXC vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

IXC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXC iShares Global Energy ETF	2.85%	3.68%	4.56%	3.45%	4.76%	3.98%	4.86%	7.00%	3.51%	3.05%	2.86%	3.77%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXC and VIG in my portfolio?

IXC and VIG have a correlation of 0.05, 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 VIG?

IXC has higher volatility (6.44%) compared to VIG (2.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXC dropped -67.88% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which ETF is better, IXC or VIG?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.24% vs 10.05% for IXC. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXC or VIG?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.24% return vs 10.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXC or VIG?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for IXC.

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

IXC has the higher dividend yield at 2.85%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between IXC and VIG?

IXC is categorized as Energy Equities, while VIG is Dividend. IXC tracks S&P Global 1200 Energy Capped Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for IXC and 0.04% for VIG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.08 vs 1.80), 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.