PBJ vs. VDC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PBJ (Invesco Dynamic Food & Beverage ETF) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - PBJ tracks the Dynamic Food & Beverage Intellidex Index while VDC tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PBJ returned 5.17%/yr vs 7.94%/yr for VDC. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBJ charges 0.63%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDC.

Performance

PBJ vs. VDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Dynamic Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ) 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, PBJ achieves a 5.32% return, which is significantly lower than VDC's 8.86% return. Over the past 10 years, PBJ has underperformed VDC with an annualized return of 5.17%, while VDC has yielded a comparatively higher 7.94% annualized return.

PBJ

• 1D: 1.57%
• 1M: -2.97%
• YTD: 5.32%
• 6M: 4.88%
• 1Y: -0.24%
• 3Y*: 2.47%
• 5Y*: 3.75%
• 10Y*: 5.17%

VDC

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 8.86%
• 6M: 8.96%
• 1Y: 5.57%
• 3Y*: 8.14%
• 5Y*: 7.27%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

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

PBJ vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PBJ Invesco Dynamic Food & Beverage ETF	5.32%	-1.86%	2.49%	2.31%	3.14%	26.88%	5.53%	17.50%	-11.21%	1.87%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	8.86%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between PBJ and VDC is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2005	0.82

The correlation between PBJ and VDC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

PBJ vs. VDC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PBJ	VDC
Consumer Defensive	78.1%	97.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.0%	1.7%
Industrials	5.6%	0.3%
Basic Materials	5.1%	0.4%
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PBJ vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBJ

PBJ Risk / Return Rank: 8
PBJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
PBJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PBJ Omega Ratio Rank: 8
PBJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
PBJ Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 15
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 14

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.

PBJ vs. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Dynamic Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ) 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.

	PBJ	VDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.02	0.44	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.06	0.72	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.08	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	0.60	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.04	1.20	-1.24

PBJ vs. VDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBJ Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the VDC Sharpe Ratio of 0.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBJ 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

PBJ vs. VDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBJ drawdown since its inception was -39.15%, which is greater than VDC's maximum drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBJ and VDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBJ	VDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.15%	-34.24%	-4.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-9.28%	-3.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.99%	-11.78%	-1.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.81%	-16.55%	+0.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.49%	-25.31%	-3.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.42%	-5.83%	-1.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.39%	-3.73%	-1.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.41%	4.67%	+0.74%

Volatility

PBJ vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Dynamic Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ) is 4.33%, while Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) has a volatility of 5.04%. This indicates that PBJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBJ	VDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	5.04%	-0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	10.34%	-0.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.74%	12.79%	-0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.77%	13.20%	+0.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.13%	14.68%	+0.45%

PBJ vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBJ has a 0.63% expense ratio, which is higher than VDC's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBJ vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison

PBJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.30%, less than VDC's 2.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PBJ Invesco Dynamic Food & Beverage ETF	1.30%	1.83%	1.11%	1.81%	1.82%	0.90%	1.12%	1.21%	1.41%	0.70%	1.56%	1.24%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.11%	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 PBJ and VDC in my portfolio?

PBJ and VDC have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBJ or VDC?

VDC has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to PBJ (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBJ dropped -39.15% vs VDC's -34.24%.

Which ETF is better, PBJ or VDC?

On 10-year performance, VDC leads with 7.94% vs 5.17% for PBJ. On fees, VDC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, PBJ has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBJ or VDC?

Over the 10-year period, VDC has performed better with a 7.94% return vs 5.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBJ or VDC?

VDC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for PBJ.

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

VDC has the higher dividend yield at 2.11%, compared with 1.30% for PBJ.

What is the main difference between PBJ and VDC?

PBJ tracks Dynamic Food & Beverage Intellidex Index, while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.63% for PBJ and 0.09% for VDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.44 vs -0.02), 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.