VDC vs. VPU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VDC is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VDC returned 7.47%/yr vs 9.05%/yr for VPU. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.

Performance

VDC vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDC achieves a 9.72% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 8.14% return. Over the past 10 years, VDC has underperformed VPU with an annualized return of 7.47%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.05% annualized return.

VDC

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -0.75%
• 6M: 6.09%
• YTD: 9.72%
• 1Y: 7.28%
• 3Y*: 8.12%
• 5Y*: 7.08%
• 10Y*: 7.47%

VPU

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: 3.06%
• 6M: 8.04%
• YTD: 8.14%
• 1Y: 13.97%
• 3Y*: 14.26%
• 5Y*: 10.15%
• 10Y*: 9.05%

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

VDC vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	9.72%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	8.14%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between VDC and VPU is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.61

Over the past year, the correlation between VDC and VPU has dropped to 0.33 - well below their long-term average of 0.61, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VDC vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDC	VPU
Consumer Defensive	97.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.1%	-
Industrials	0.6%	0.2%
Technology	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	0.4%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	99.3%

Return for Risk

VDC vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 20
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 32
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.56	0.96	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.90	1.37	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.17	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	1.58	-0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.52	3.31	-1.79

VDC vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDC Sharpe Ratio is 0.56, which is lower than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDC and VPU, 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. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDC drawdown since its inception was -34.24%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDC and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDC	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.24%	-46.31%	+12.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.28%	-8.90%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.78%	-17.34%	+5.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.55%	-25.15%	+8.60%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-25.31%	-36.42%	+11.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.09%	-2.80%	-2.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.74%	-7.77%	+4.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.81%	4.23%	+0.58%

Volatility

VDC vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) has a higher volatility of 4.91% compared to Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) at 4.31%. This indicates that VDC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDC	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.91%	4.31%	+0.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	11.63%	-0.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.11%	14.67%	-1.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.29%	17.07%	-3.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.69%	19.15%	-4.46%

VDC vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VDC and VPU have an expense ratio of 0.09%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VDC vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

VDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.09%, less than VPU's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.09%	2.26%	2.33%	2.65%	2.37%	2.14%	2.50%	2.44%	2.78%	2.52%	2.39%	2.55%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.62%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDC and VPU in my portfolio?

VDC and VPU have a correlation of 0.33, 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 VPU?

VDC has higher volatility (4.91%) compared to VPU (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDC dropped -34.24% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, VDC or VPU?

On 10-year performance, VPU leads with 9.05% vs 7.47% for VDC. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VDC or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, VPU has performed better with a 9.05% return vs 7.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDC or VPU?

VDC and VPU have the same expense ratio: 0.09% per year.

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

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 2.09% for VDC.

What is the main difference between VDC and VPU?

VDC is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.96 vs 0.56), 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.