TEK vs. VOX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

TEK (iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TEK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by iShares, while VOX is a Communications Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index. TEK is actively managed, while VOX is passively managed. Over the past year, TEK returned 39.18% vs 14.03% for VOX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. TEK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VOX.

Performance

TEK vs. VOX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK) 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, TEK achieves a 27.66% return, which is significantly higher than VOX's -1.04% return.

TEK

• 1D: -4.31%
• 1M: -5.00%
• 6M: 23.88%
• YTD: 27.66%
• 1Y: 39.18%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOX

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 2.04%
• 6M: -1.88%
• YTD: -1.04%
• 1Y: 14.03%
• 3Y*: 21.50%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 8.13%

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

TEK vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TEK iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF	27.66%	18.63%	2.63%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	-1.04%	26.27%	6.08%

Correlation

The correlation between TEK and VOX is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2024	0.59

The correlation between TEK and VOX shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

TEK vs. VOX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TEK

TEK Risk / Return Rank: 45
TEK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
TEK Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
TEK Omega Ratio Rank: 44
TEK Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
TEK Martin Ratio Rank: 43

VOX

VOX Risk / Return Rank: 29
VOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VOX Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VOX Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

TEK vs. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK) 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.

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.

	TEK	VOX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	0.87	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	1.34	+0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.16	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	1.04	+1.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.62	3.42	+2.20

TEK vs. VOX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TEK Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is higher than the VOX Sharpe Ratio of 0.87. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TEK 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.

Drawdowns

TEK vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TEK drawdown since its inception was -28.24%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TEK and VOX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TEK	VOX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.24%	-57.18%	+28.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.29%	-13.56%	-5.73%
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	-11.40%	-4.36%	-7.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.90%	-11.88%	+5.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.99%	4.11%	+2.88%

Volatility

TEK vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison

iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK) has a higher volatility of 15.63% compared to Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) at 6.25%. This indicates that TEK'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

	TEK	VOX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.63%	6.25%	+9.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.20%	12.61%	+14.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.05%	16.17%	+14.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.44%	21.31%	+10.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.44%	20.94%	+10.50%

TEK vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TEK has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TEK vs. VOX - Dividend Comparison

TEK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, more than VOX's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TEK iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF	1.24%	1.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	1.03%	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 TEK and VOX in my portfolio?

TEK and VOX have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TEK or VOX?

TEK has higher volatility (15.63%) compared to VOX (6.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TEK dropped -28.24% vs VOX's -57.18%.

Which ETF is better, TEK or VOX?

On 1-year performance, TEK leads with 39.18% vs 14.03% for VOX. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 6.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TEK or VOX?

Over the 1-year period, TEK has performed better with a 39.18% return vs 14.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TEK or VOX?

VOX is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for TEK.

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

TEK has the higher dividend yield at 1.24%, compared with 1.03% for VOX.

What is the main difference between TEK and VOX?

TEK is categorized as Technology Equities, while VOX is Communications Equities. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for TEK and 0.09% for VOX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TEK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 0.87), 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.