IYW vs. VGT
IYW (iShares U.S. Technology ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IYW tracks the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index while VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYW returned 25.94%/yr vs 25.49%/yr for VGT. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IYW charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.
Performance
IYW vs. VGT - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IYW achieves a 21.96% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 23.32% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IYW having a 25.94% annualized return and VGT not far behind at 25.49%.
IYW
- 1D
- -3.91%
- 1M
- 0.69%
- YTD
- 21.96%
- 6M
- 20.43%
- 1Y
- 47.04%
- 3Y*
- 32.10%
- 5Y*
- 20.32%
- 10Y*
- 25.94%
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%
IYW vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IYW iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 21.96% | 25.38% | 30.25% | 65.44% | -34.83% | 35.44% | 47.45% | 46.64% | -0.93% | 36.60% |
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 IYW and VGT is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004 | 0.97 |
The correlation between IYW and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IYW vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank
IYW
VGT
IYW vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) 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.
| IYW | VGT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.05 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.07 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.36 | 1.35 | +0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.65 | 2.87 | -0.21 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 8.46 | 8.76 | -0.30 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
IYW vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IYW drawdown since its inception was -81.90%, which is greater than VGT's maximum drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYW and VGT.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IYW | VGT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -81.90% | -54.63% | -27.27% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -17.81% | -16.40% | -1.41% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.47% | -27.23% | +0.76% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -39.44% | -35.07% | -4.37% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.44% | -35.07% | -4.37% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.35% | -7.71% | +1.36% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -34.59% | -7.95% | -26.64% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.57% | 5.36% | +0.21% |
Volatility
IYW vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison
iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) have volatilities of 11.15% and 11.39%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IYW | VGT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 11.15% | 11.39% | -0.24% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 18.45% | 18.58% | -0.13% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.34% | 22.72% | -0.38% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 26.24% | 25.55% | +0.69% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 25.26% | 24.77% | +0.49% |
IYW vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison
IYW has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.
Dividends
IYW vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison
IYW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than VGT's 0.33% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IYW iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 0.11% | 0.14% | 0.21% | 0.34% | 0.50% | 0.31% | 0.56% | 0.72% | 0.92% | 0.82% | 1.14% | 1.12% |
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
With a correlation of 0.98, IYW and VGT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
VGT has higher volatility (11.39%) compared to IYW (11.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYW dropped -81.90% vs VGT's -54.63%.
On 10-year performance, IYW leads with 25.94% vs 25.49% for VGT. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IYW has been the lower-risk option at 11.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, IYW has performed better with a 25.94% return vs 25.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IYW.
VGT has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.11% for IYW.
IYW tracks Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 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: 0.38% for IYW and 0.09% for VGT.
IYW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 2.07), 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.
Find the right allocation for IYW and VGT
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer