LEAD vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

LEAD (Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LEAD is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend 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, LEAD returned 14.95%/yr vs 25.19%/yr for VGT. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LEAD charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

LEAD vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) 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, LEAD achieves a 16.18% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 24.03% return. Over the past 10 years, LEAD has underperformed VGT with an annualized return of 14.95%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively higher 25.19% annualized return.

LEAD

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: 2.38%
• YTD: 16.18%
• 6M: 15.19%
• 1Y: 28.08%
• 3Y*: 18.59%
• 5Y*: 12.25%
• 10Y*: 14.95%

VGT

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: 24.03%
• 6M: 24.13%
• 1Y: 50.48%
• 3Y*: 29.84%
• 5Y*: 20.35%
• 10Y*: 25.19%

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

LEAD vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LEAD Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF	16.18%	15.52%	10.32%	26.25%	-18.16%	29.69%	23.41%	33.75%	-6.63%	24.89%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	24.03%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%

Correlation

The correlation between LEAD and VGT is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 6, 2016	0.79

The correlation between LEAD and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

LEAD vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LEAD	VGT
Technology	36.9%	98.5%
Industrials	30.6%	0.4%
Financial Services	16.2%	0.5%
Healthcare	5.8%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	0.1%
Energy	1.3%	0.3%
Communication Services	0.1%	0.5%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

LEAD vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

LEAD

LEAD Risk / Return Rank: 61
LEAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
LEAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
LEAD Omega Ratio Rank: 53
LEAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
LEAD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 70
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

LEAD vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) 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.

	LEAD	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.19	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	2.74	-0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.36	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	2.94	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.62	9.11	+3.52

LEAD vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LEAD Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LEAD 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

LEAD vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LEAD drawdown since its inception was -32.19%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LEAD and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	LEAD	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.19%	-54.63%	+22.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.65%	-16.40%	+7.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.86%	-27.23%	+9.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	-35.07%	+10.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.19%	-35.07%	+2.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-7.18%	+7.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.41%	-7.95%	+3.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	5.28%	-3.23%

Volatility

LEAD vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) is 6.06%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 10.00%. This indicates that LEAD 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

	LEAD	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.06%	10.00%	-3.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.26%	18.00%	-5.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.26%	22.00%	-6.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.46%	25.40%	-7.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.70%	24.72%	-6.02%

LEAD vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

LEAD has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

LEAD vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

LEAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, more than VGT's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LEAD Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF	0.57%	0.70%	0.93%	1.13%	1.27%	1.79%	0.81%	1.32%	1.38%	0.97%	1.38%	0.00%
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

Can I hold both LEAD and VGT in my portfolio?

LEAD and VGT have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LEAD or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (10.00%) compared to LEAD (6.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LEAD dropped -32.19% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, LEAD or VGT?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.19% vs 14.95% for LEAD. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, LEAD has been the lower-risk option at 6.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LEAD or VGT?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.19% return vs 14.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LEAD or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for LEAD.

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

LEAD has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.33% for VGT.

What is the main difference between LEAD and VGT?

LEAD is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VGT is Technology Equities. LEAD tracks Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend Index, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: SRN Advisors and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for LEAD and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.69), 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.