PSWD vs. VOX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSWD (Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - PSWD tracks the Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index while VOX tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PSWD returned 15.26% vs 20.55% for VOX. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSWD charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VOX.

Performance

PSWD vs. VOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSWD achieves a 22.48% return, which is significantly higher than VOX's -1.38% return.

PSWD

• 1D: -3.24%
• 1M: 22.87%
• YTD: 22.48%
• 6M: 16.89%
• 1Y: 15.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOX

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -2.77%
• YTD: -1.38%
• 6M: 0.47%
• 1Y: 20.55%
• 3Y*: 24.02%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

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

PSWD vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	22.48%	1.69%	9.46%	18.58%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	-1.38%	26.27%	33.12%	6.78%

Correlation

The correlation between PSWD and VOX is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 14, 2023	0.55

The correlation between PSWD and VOX shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.55 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSWD vs. VOX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSWD	VOX
Technology	98.3%	1.2%
Real Estate	0.9%	0.1%
Industrials	0.5%	0.0%
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Communication Services	0.1%	98.4%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	0.2%
Healthcare	0.1%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

PSWD vs. VOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSWD

PSWD Risk / Return Rank: 18
PSWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
PSWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
PSWD Omega Ratio Rank: 19
PSWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
PSWD Martin Ratio Rank: 16

VOX

VOX Risk / Return Rank: 35
VOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VOX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VOX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PSWD	VOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	1.34	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	2.00	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.24	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.65	1.52	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.47	5.83	-4.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSWD vs. VOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSWD Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is lower than the VOX Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSWD and VOX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PSWD	VOX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.60	1.34	-0.73
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.77	0.43	+0.33

Drawdowns

PSWD vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSWD drawdown since its inception was -23.70%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSWD and VOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSWD	VOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.70%	-57.18%	+33.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.70%	-13.56%	-10.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.15%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.76%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.76%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.32%	-4.70%	+1.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.46%	-11.91%	+5.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.38%	3.54%	+6.84%

Volatility

PSWD vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) has a higher volatility of 11.00% compared to Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) at 4.24%. This indicates that PSWD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSWD	VOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.00%	4.24%	+6.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.87%	11.16%	+9.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.46%	15.45%	+10.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.68%	21.15%	+2.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.68%	20.89%	+2.79%

PSWD vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSWD has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.10% 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. VOX - Dividend Comparison

PSWD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.72%, less than VOX's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSWD Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF	0.72%	0.88%	1.49%	0.55%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	1.00%	0.95%	1.05%	1.03%	0.88%	0.93%	0.73%	0.90%	2.77%	3.83%	2.67%	3.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSWD and VOX in my portfolio?

PSWD and VOX have a correlation of 0.43, 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 VOX?

PSWD has higher volatility (11.00%) compared to VOX (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSWD dropped -23.70% vs VOX's -57.18%.

Which ETF is better, PSWD or VOX?

On 1-year performance, VOX leads with 20.55% vs 15.26% for PSWD. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSWD or VOX?

Over the 1-year period, VOX has performed better with a 20.55% return vs 15.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSWD or VOX?

VOX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for PSWD.

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

VOX has the higher dividend yield at 1.00%, compared with 0.72% for PSWD.

What is the main difference between PSWD and VOX?

PSWD tracks Solactive Cyber Security ESG Screened Index, while VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Telecommunication Services 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for PSWD and 0.10% for VOX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 vs 0.60), 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.