VCDAX vs. VCR

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VCDAX (Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund Admiral Shares) and VCR (Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF) are both Consumer Discretionary Equities funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VCDAX returned 13.70%/yr vs 13.55%/yr for VCR. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.10% expense ratio.

Performance

VCDAX vs. VCR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund Admiral Shares (VCDAX) and Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCDAX achieves a 0.40% return, which is significantly higher than VCR's 0.01% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VCDAX having a 13.70% annualized return and VCR not far behind at 13.55%.

VCDAX

• 1D: -1.75%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 0.40%
• 6M: 1.34%
• 1Y: 11.67%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 6.51%
• 10Y*: 13.70%

VCR

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 0.01%
• 6M: 0.97%
• 1Y: 11.24%
• 3Y*: 15.28%
• 5Y*: 6.49%
• 10Y*: 13.55%

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

VCDAX vs. VCR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCDAX Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.40%	5.66%	24.37%	40.40%	-35.17%	26.20%	48.18%	27.55%	-2.26%	22.83%
VCR Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF	0.01%	5.77%	24.27%	40.38%	-35.15%	24.86%	48.36%	27.45%	-2.31%	22.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VCDAX and VCR is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2004	0.99

The correlation between VCDAX and VCR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCDAX vs. VCR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCDAX

VCDAX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VCDAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VCDAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VCDAX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VCDAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VCDAX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

VCR

VCR Risk / Return Rank: 19
VCR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
VCR Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VCR Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VCR Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VCR Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

VCDAX vs. VCR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund Admiral Shares (VCDAX) and Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR). 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.

	VCDAX	VCR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	0.61	+0.03
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	0.97	+0.03
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.12	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	0.73	-0.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.24	2.28	-0.05
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCDAX vs. VCR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCDAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is comparable to the VCR Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCDAX and VCR, 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

	VCDAX	VCR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	0.61	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27	0.27	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61	0.61	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.51	0.00

Drawdowns

VCDAX vs. VCR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCDAX drawdown since its inception was -61.66%, roughly equal to the maximum VCR drawdown of -61.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCDAX and VCR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCDAX	VCR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.66%	-61.54%	-0.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.57%	-15.59%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.44%	-27.36%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.51%	-39.20%	+0.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.51%	-39.20%	+0.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.22%	-4.54%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-9.40%	+0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.96%	4.96%	0.00%

Volatility

VCDAX vs. VCR - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund Admiral Shares (VCDAX) and Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) have volatilities of 5.27% and 5.22%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCDAX	VCR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	5.22%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.08%	13.06%	+0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.45%	18.46%	-0.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.00%	23.99%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.50%	22.41%	+0.09%

VCDAX vs. VCR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VCDAX and VCR have an expense ratio of 0.10%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VCDAX vs. VCR - Dividend Comparison

VCDAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.72%, less than VCR's 0.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VCDAX Vanguard Consumer Discretionary Index Fund Admiral Shares	0.72%	0.74%	0.74%	0.84%	0.98%	1.82%	1.71%	1.17%	1.37%	1.21%	1.60%	1.33%
VCR Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF	0.73%	0.74%	0.74%	0.84%	0.98%	0.79%	1.71%	1.17%	1.37%	1.21%	1.60%	1.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCDAX and VCR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, VCDAX and VCR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VCDAX or VCR?

VCDAX has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to VCR (5.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCDAX dropped -61.66% vs VCR's -61.54%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCDAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.64 vs 0.61), 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.