SLMCX vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SLMCX (Columbia Seligman Technology and Information Fund) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, SLMCX returned 28.01%/yr vs 25.78%/yr for VGT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SLMCX charges 1.17%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

SLMCX vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Seligman Technology and Information Fund (SLMCX) 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, SLMCX achieves a 58.65% return, which is significantly higher than VGT's 31.64% return. Over the past 10 years, SLMCX has outperformed VGT with an annualized return of 28.01%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively lower 25.78% annualized return.

SLMCX

• 1D: 3.67%
• 1M: 15.56%
• YTD: 58.65%
• 6M: 55.34%
• 1Y: 126.30%
• 3Y*: 47.62%
• 5Y*: 26.81%
• 10Y*: 28.01%

VGT

• 1D: -1.48%
• 1M: 18.07%
• YTD: 31.64%
• 6M: 30.51%
• 1Y: 60.15%
• 3Y*: 33.48%
• 5Y*: 22.23%
• 10Y*: 25.78%

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

SLMCX vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLMCX Columbia Seligman Technology and Information Fund	58.65%	37.32%	26.67%	44.27%	-31.14%	38.97%	44.45%	54.15%	-8.12%	34.08%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	31.64%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%

Correlation

The correlation between SLMCX and VGT is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.92

The correlation between SLMCX and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SLMCX vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLMCX

SLMCX Risk / Return Rank: 97
SLMCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
SLMCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
SLMCX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SLMCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
SLMCX Martin Ratio Rank: 99

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 76
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

SLMCX vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Seligman Technology and Information Fund (SLMCX) 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.

	SLMCX	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	5.03	2.95	+2.09
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	5.23	3.63	+1.60
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.71	1.47	+0.23
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.65	3.69	+6.96
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	41.17	11.77	+29.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SLMCX vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLMCX Sharpe Ratio is 5.03, which is higher than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLMCX 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SLMCX	VGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.03	2.95	+2.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.03	0.89	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.08	1.05	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.73	0.68	+0.05

Drawdowns

SLMCX vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLMCX drawdown since its inception was -68.10%, which is greater than VGT's maximum drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLMCX and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLMCX	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.10%	-54.63%	-13.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.33%	-16.40%	+4.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.13%	-27.23%	-1.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.32%	-35.07%	-2.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.32%	-35.07%	-2.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.48%	+1.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.00%	-7.95%	-5.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.18%	5.13%	-1.95%

Volatility

SLMCX vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Seligman Technology and Information Fund (SLMCX) has a higher volatility of 7.25% compared to Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) at 6.39%. This indicates that SLMCX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLMCX	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.25%	6.39%	+0.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.07%	16.07%	+4.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.09%	20.57%	+5.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.21%	25.18%	+1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.14%	24.60%	+1.54%

SLMCX vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLMCX has a 1.17% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLMCX vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

SLMCX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.96%, more than VGT's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SLMCX Columbia Seligman Technology and Information Fund	5.96%	9.45%	14.27%	5.16%	9.42%	11.75%	10.40%	11.44%	12.33%	11.15%	8.19%	10.79%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.31%	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 SLMCX and VGT in my portfolio?

SLMCX and VGT have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLMCX or VGT?

SLMCX has higher volatility (7.25%) compared to VGT (6.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLMCX dropped -68.10% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLMCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.03 vs 2.95), 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.