VDC vs. FXG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) and FXG (First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - VDC tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index while FXG tracks the StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VDC returned 7.94%/yr vs 4.68%/yr for FXG. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VDC charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.63%/yr for FXG.

Performance

VDC vs. FXG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) and First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDC achieves a 8.86% return, which is significantly higher than FXG's 2.89% return. Over the past 10 years, VDC has outperformed FXG with an annualized return of 7.94%, while FXG has yielded a comparatively lower 4.68% annualized return.

VDC

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: -0.43%
• YTD: 8.86%
• 6M: 8.96%
• 1Y: 5.57%
• 3Y*: 8.14%
• 5Y*: 7.27%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

FXG

• 1D: 2.07%
• 1M: 1.23%
• YTD: 2.89%
• 6M: 2.89%
• 1Y: -0.88%
• 3Y*: 2.22%
• 5Y*: 3.58%
• 10Y*: 4.68%

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

VDC vs. FXG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	8.86%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.89%	-2.66%	3.21%	1.97%	3.28%	21.73%	4.85%	20.65%	-11.49%	7.87%

Correlation

The correlation between VDC and FXG is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.80

The correlation between VDC and FXG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

VDC vs. FXG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDC	FXG
Consumer Defensive	97.3%	79.6%
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	8.2%
Basic Materials	0.4%	2.0%
Industrials	0.3%	4.0%
Healthcare	0.0%	8.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VDC vs. FXG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 15
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 14

FXG

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

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.

VDC vs. FXG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) and First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG). 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.

	VDC	FXG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	-0.07	+0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.72	0.00	+0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.00	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.60	-0.07	+0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.20	-0.15	+1.35

VDC vs. FXG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDC Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is higher than the FXG Sharpe Ratio of -0.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDC and FXG, 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

VDC vs. FXG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDC drawdown since its inception was -34.24%, smaller than the maximum FXG drawdown of -38.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDC and FXG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDC	FXG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.24%	-38.69%	+4.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-12.75%	+3.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.78%	-12.75%	+0.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.55%	-15.70%	-0.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.31%	-27.54%	+2.23%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.83%	-10.01%	+4.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.73%	-6.03%	+2.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.67%	5.87%	-1.20%

Volatility

VDC vs. FXG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is 5.04%, while First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) has a volatility of 5.33%. This indicates that VDC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDC	FXG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	5.33%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.34%	10.04%	+0.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	13.40%	-0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.20%	13.58%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.68%	14.97%	-0.29%

VDC vs. FXG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDC has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than FXG's 0.63% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDC vs. FXG - Dividend Comparison

VDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.11%, less than FXG's 2.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXG First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund	2.82%	2.83%	1.70%	1.41%	1.83%	1.38%	1.41%	1.63%	2.31%	1.34%	1.72%	1.67%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.11%	2.26%	2.33%	2.65%	2.37%	2.14%	2.50%	2.44%	2.78%	2.52%	2.39%	2.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDC and FXG in my portfolio?

VDC and FXG have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VDC or FXG?

FXG has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to VDC (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDC dropped -34.24% vs FXG's -38.69%.

Which ETF is better, VDC or FXG?

On 10-year performance, VDC leads with 7.94% vs 4.68% for FXG. On fees, VDC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDC has been the lower-risk option at 5.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VDC or FXG?

Over the 10-year period, VDC has performed better with a 7.94% return vs 4.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDC or FXG?

VDC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.63% for FXG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VDC or FXG?

FXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.82%, compared with 2.11% for VDC.

What is the main difference between VDC and FXG?

VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index, while FXG tracks StrataQuant Consumer Staples Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VDC and 0.63% for FXG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.44 vs -0.07), 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.