VCIT vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCIT is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index, while VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VCIT returned 2.93%/yr vs 25.78%/yr for VGT. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VCIT charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

VCIT vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) 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, VCIT achieves a 0.18% return, which is significantly lower than VGT's 31.64% return. Over the past 10 years, VCIT has underperformed VGT with an annualized return of 2.93%, while VGT has yielded a comparatively higher 25.78% annualized return.

VCIT

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.18%
• 6M: 0.07%
• 1Y: 6.13%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: 1.22%
• 10Y*: 2.93%

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)

VCIT vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	0.18%	9.34%	3.20%	8.98%	-13.98%	-1.77%	9.46%	14.10%	-1.74%	5.31%
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 VCIT and VGT is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009	0.04

Over the past year, VCIT and VGT have become more correlated (0.26) than their long-term average of 0.04, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

VCIT vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCIT

VCIT Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VCIT Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VCIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VCIT Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

VCIT vs. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) 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.

	VCIT	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	2.95	-1.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	3.63	-1.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.47	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	3.69	-1.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.95	11.77	-4.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCIT vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCIT 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

	VCIT	VGT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	2.95	-1.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	0.89	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	1.05	-0.58
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.68	+0.07

Drawdowns

VCIT vs. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCIT drawdown since its inception was -20.56%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCIT and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCIT	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.56%	-54.63%	+34.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.96%	-16.40%	+13.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.11%	-27.23%	+21.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.56%	-35.07%	+14.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.56%	-35.07%	+14.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-1.48%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.16%	-7.95%	+4.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	5.13%	-4.25%

Volatility

VCIT vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is 1.38%, while Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a volatility of 6.39%. This indicates that VCIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VCIT	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.38%	6.39%	-5.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.06%	16.07%	-13.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.10%	20.57%	-16.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.61%	25.18%	-18.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.28%	24.60%	-18.32%

VCIT vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCIT has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VCIT vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

VCIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, more than VGT's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	4.80%	4.62%	4.43%	3.72%	3.03%	2.87%	2.78%	3.37%	3.61%	3.21%	3.29%	3.34%
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 VCIT and VGT in my portfolio?

VCIT and VGT have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VCIT or VGT?

VGT has higher volatility (6.39%) compared to VCIT (1.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCIT dropped -20.56% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, VCIT or VGT?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.78% vs 2.93% for VCIT. On fees, VCIT is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VCIT has been the lower-risk option at 1.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCIT or VGT?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.78% return vs 2.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCIT or VGT?

VCIT is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VGT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCIT or VGT?

VCIT has the higher dividend yield at 4.80%, compared with 0.31% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VCIT and VGT?

VCIT is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while VGT is Technology Equities. VCIT tracks Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VCIT and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.50), 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.