PSWD vs. VGT

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PSWD (Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - PSWD tracks the Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index while VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSWD returned 20.08%/yr vs 28.00%/yr for VGT. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSWD charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

PSWD vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) 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, PSWD achieves a 29.56% return, which is significantly higher than VGT's 22.94% return.

PSWD

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 12.87%
• 6M: 25.45%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 1Y: 21.93%
• 3Y*: 20.08%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGT

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -0.88%
• 6M: 21.06%
• YTD: 22.94%
• 1Y: 38.55%
• 3Y*: 28.00%
• 5Y*: 18.46%
• 10Y*: 24.67%

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

PSWD vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	29.56%	1.69%	9.46%	18.58%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	22.94%	21.77%	29.30%	9.55%

Correlation

The correlation between PSWD and VGT is 0.57, 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	0.57
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2023	0.65

The correlation between PSWD and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSWD vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSWD	VGT
Technology	97.8%	98.5%
Industrials	1.2%	0.3%
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Communication Services	0.1%	0.6%
Financial Services	0.1%	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	0.1%
Healthcare	0.1%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	0.3%
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.0%
Utilities	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

PSWD vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSWD

PSWD Risk / Return Rank: 26
PSWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
PSWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
PSWD Omega Ratio Rank: 28
PSWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
PSWD Martin Ratio Rank: 22

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 57
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

PSWD vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) 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.

	PSWD	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.66	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.25	2.17	-0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.28	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.93	2.36	-1.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.09	6.86	-4.77

PSWD vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSWD Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSWD 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

PSWD vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSWD drawdown since its inception was -23.70%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSWD and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSWD	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.70%	-54.63%	+30.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.70%	-16.40%	-7.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.70%	-27.23%	+3.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.07%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.68%	-7.99%	+5.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.44%	-7.94%	+1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.51%	5.63%	+4.88%

Volatility

PSWD vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) is 8.09%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 9.66%. This indicates that PSWD 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

	PSWD	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.09%	9.66%	-1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.60%	19.38%	+3.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.55%	23.37%	+3.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.92%	25.69%	-1.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.92%	24.80%	-0.88%

PSWD vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSWD has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PSWD vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

PSWD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, more than VGT's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	0.60%	0.88%	1.49%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.37%	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 PSWD and VGT in my portfolio?

PSWD and VGT have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSWD or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (9.66%) compared to PSWD (8.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSWD dropped -23.70% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, PSWD or VGT?

On 3-year performance, VGT leads with 28.00% vs 20.08% for PSWD. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, PSWD has been the lower-risk option at 8.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSWD or VGT?

Over the 3-year period, VGT has performed better with a 28.00% return vs 20.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSWD or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for PSWD.

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

PSWD has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.37% for VGT.

What is the main difference between PSWD and VGT?

PSWD tracks Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for PSWD and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 0.83), 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.