IYK vs. VDC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IYK (iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - IYK tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Goods Index while VDC tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYK returned 9.22%/yr vs 7.74%/yr for VDC. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IYK charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDC.

Performance

IYK vs. VDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYK achieves a 7.31% return, which is significantly higher than VDC's 6.86% return. Over the past 10 years, IYK has outperformed VDC with an annualized return of 9.22%, while VDC has yielded a comparatively lower 7.74% annualized return.

IYK

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -1.92%
• YTD: 7.31%
• 6M: 7.00%
• 1Y: 4.22%
• 3Y*: 5.03%
• 5Y*: 6.13%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

VDC

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 6M: 6.42%
• 1Y: 5.06%
• 3Y*: 7.47%
• 5Y*: 6.96%
• 10Y*: 7.74%

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

IYK vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF	7.31%	4.78%	5.27%	-2.84%	3.57%	17.32%	32.65%	28.12%	-13.84%	16.53%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	6.86%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between IYK and VDC is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.90

The correlation between IYK and VDC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

IYK vs. VDC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYK	VDC
Consumer Defensive	85.2%	97.3%
Healthcare	10.7%	0.0%
Basic Materials	2.6%	0.4%
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	1.7%
Industrials	0.1%	0.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IYK vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IYK

IYK Risk / Return Rank: 12
IYK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
IYK Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
IYK Omega Ratio Rank: 12
IYK Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
IYK Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 14
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

IYK vs. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). 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.

	IYK	VDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	0.40	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.56	0.67	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.08	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.40	0.55	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.81	1.09	-0.28

IYK vs. VDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYK Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is comparable to the VDC Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYK and VDC, 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

IYK vs. VDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYK drawdown since its inception was -42.64%, which is greater than VDC's maximum drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYK and VDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYK	VDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.64%	-34.24%	-8.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-9.28%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.14%	-11.78%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.05%	-16.55%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.19%	-25.31%	-7.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.50%	-7.56%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-3.73%	-1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.20%	4.65%	+0.55%

Volatility

IYK vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) has a higher volatility of 5.09% compared to Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) at 4.82%. This indicates that IYK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYK	VDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	4.82%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.91%	10.20%	-0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.69%	12.69%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.07%	13.18%	-0.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.55%	14.68%	+0.87%

IYK vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

IYK has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than VDC's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

IYK vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison

IYK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, more than VDC's 2.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF	2.67%	2.75%	2.63%	2.74%	2.16%	1.49%	1.42%	2.21%	2.81%	1.74%	2.63%	2.11%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.15%	2.26%	2.33%	2.65%	2.37%	2.14%	2.50%	2.44%	2.78%	2.52%	2.39%	2.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYK and VDC in my portfolio?

IYK and VDC have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IYK or VDC?

IYK has higher volatility (5.09%) compared to VDC (4.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYK dropped -42.64% vs VDC's -34.24%.

Which ETF is better, IYK or VDC?

On 10-year performance, IYK leads with 9.22% vs 7.74% for VDC. On fees, VDC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDC has been the lower-risk option at 4.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IYK or VDC?

Over the 10-year period, IYK has performed better with a 9.22% return vs 7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYK or VDC?

VDC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for IYK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IYK or VDC?

IYK has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.15% for VDC.

What is the main difference between IYK and VDC?

IYK tracks Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Goods Index, while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for IYK and 0.09% for VDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.40 vs 0.33), 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.