SEQUX vs. VGK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SEQUX (Sequoia Fund) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both funds - SEQUX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Sequoia, while VGK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Over the past 10 years, SEQUX returned 12.00%/yr vs 9.26%/yr for VGK. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SEQUX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

SEQUX vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sequoia Fund (SEQUX) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SEQUX achieves a -3.00% return, which is significantly lower than VGK's 5.62% return. Over the past 10 years, SEQUX has outperformed VGK with an annualized return of 12.00%, while VGK has yielded a comparatively lower 9.26% annualized return.

SEQUX

• 1D: -1.30%
• 1M: 1.28%
• YTD: -3.00%
• 6M: 0.31%
• 1Y: 4.97%
• 3Y*: 18.24%
• 5Y*: 7.10%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

VGK

• 1D: -1.19%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 5.62%
• 6M: 8.66%
• 1Y: 18.01%
• 3Y*: 16.32%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

SEQUX vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SEQUX Sequoia Fund	-3.00%	22.01%	20.77%	27.83%	-30.61%	25.35%	23.54%	29.18%	-3.09%	20.04%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	5.62%	35.83%	1.88%	20.19%	-15.98%	16.89%	5.43%	24.85%	-14.89%	26.98%

Correlation

The correlation between SEQUX and VGK is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2005	0.72

The correlation between SEQUX and VGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SEQUX vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SEQUX

SEQUX Risk / Return Rank: 5
SEQUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
SEQUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
SEQUX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
SEQUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
SEQUX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 31
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

SEQUX vs. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sequoia Fund (SEQUX) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). 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.

	SEQUX	VGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.40	1.18	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.70	1.72	-1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.21	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.36	1.50	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.11	5.56	-4.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SEQUX vs. VGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SEQUX Sharpe Ratio is 0.40, which is lower than the VGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SEQUX and VGK, 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

	SEQUX	VGK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40	1.18	-0.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41	0.46	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68	0.49	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.69	0.28	+0.41

Drawdowns

SEQUX vs. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SEQUX drawdown since its inception was -45.81%, smaller than the maximum VGK drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEQUX and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SEQUX	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.81%	-63.61%	+17.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.62%	-12.09%	-4.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.62%	-14.31%	-2.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.07%	-32.74%	-5.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.07%	-37.24%	-0.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.87%	-2.41%	-4.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.55%	-13.34%	+5.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.10%	3.25%	+1.85%

Volatility

SEQUX vs. VGK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sequoia Fund (SEQUX) is 4.19%, while Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) has a volatility of 5.73%. This indicates that SEQUX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SEQUX	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.19%	5.73%	-1.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.33%	12.78%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.98%	15.40%	-0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.73%	17.90%	-0.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.00%	18.96%	-0.96%

SEQUX vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SEQUX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than VGK's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

SEQUX vs. VGK - Dividend Comparison

SEQUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.02%, more than VGK's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SEQUX Sequoia Fund	10.02%	9.72%	4.97%	0.00%	3.09%	14.82%	13.50%	8.14%	25.71%	13.72%	18.84%	5.07%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.82%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SEQUX and VGK in my portfolio?

SEQUX and VGK have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SEQUX or VGK?

VGK has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to SEQUX (4.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SEQUX dropped -45.81% vs VGK's -63.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 0.40), 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.