VEGI vs. FTAG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VEGI (iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF) and FTAG (First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEGI is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Select Agriculture Producers Investable Market Index, while FTAG is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global Agriculture Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEGI returned 8.51%/yr vs 5.50%/yr for FTAG. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEGI charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for FTAG.

Performance

VEGI vs. FTAG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEGI achieves a 12.85% return, which is significantly higher than FTAG's 8.00% return. Over the past 10 years, VEGI has outperformed FTAG with an annualized return of 8.51%, while FTAG has yielded a comparatively lower 5.50% annualized return.

VEGI

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.71%
• YTD: 12.85%
• 6M: 12.38%
• 1Y: 8.59%
• 3Y*: 5.76%
• 5Y*: 3.96%
• 10Y*: 8.51%

FTAG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -2.64%
• YTD: 8.00%
• 6M: 8.40%
• 1Y: 10.13%
• 3Y*: 4.14%
• 5Y*: 1.55%
• 10Y*: 5.50%

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

VEGI vs. FTAG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEGI iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF	12.85%	11.34%	-4.85%	-8.59%	6.34%	21.56%	20.06%	13.52%	-9.76%	19.79%
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	8.00%	14.82%	-6.72%	-7.28%	-4.52%	17.31%	13.88%	9.05%	-19.46%	24.88%

Correlation

The correlation between VEGI and FTAG is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.88
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2012	0.62

Over the past year, VEGI and FTAG have become more correlated (0.86) than their long-term average of 0.62, meaning their price movements have been converging.

VEGI vs. FTAG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEGI	FTAG
Industrials	37.3%	24.0%
Consumer Defensive	31.9%	8.5%
Basic Materials	30.2%	55.6%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	4.2%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	7.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VEGI vs. FTAG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEGI

VEGI Risk / Return Rank: 18
VEGI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
VEGI Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VEGI Omega Ratio Rank: 16
VEGI Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
VEGI Martin Ratio Rank: 19

FTAG

FTAG Risk / Return Rank: 21
FTAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FTAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
FTAG Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FTAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
FTAG Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

VEGI vs. FTAG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) and First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG). 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.

	VEGI	FTAG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.58	0.72	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	1.12	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.13	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	1.06	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.05	2.47	-0.42

VEGI vs. FTAG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEGI Sharpe Ratio is 0.58, which is comparable to the FTAG Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEGI and FTAG, 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

VEGI vs. FTAG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEGI drawdown since its inception was -37.37%, smaller than the maximum FTAG drawdown of -90.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEGI and FTAG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEGI	FTAG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.37%	-90.89%	+53.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.61%	-9.56%	+0.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.71%	-21.87%	+4.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.86%	-32.77%	+3.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.37%	-50.79%	+13.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.70%	-79.11%	+71.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.81%	-71.25%	+61.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.19%	4.11%	+0.08%

Volatility

VEGI vs. FTAG - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) has a higher volatility of 4.23% compared to First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) at 3.88%. This indicates that VEGI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTAG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEGI	FTAG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	3.88%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	10.87%	+1.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.91%	14.15%	+0.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.84%	17.40%	+0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.91%	19.65%	-0.74%

VEGI vs. FTAG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEGI has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than FTAG's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEGI vs. FTAG - Dividend Comparison

VEGI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.99%, more than FTAG's 1.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTAG First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF	1.41%	1.39%	2.89%	3.68%	1.77%	1.58%	1.72%	2.33%	2.16%	1.26%	0.61%	1.35%
VEGI iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF	1.99%	2.33%	2.62%	2.54%	1.49%	1.46%	1.55%	1.84%	2.02%	1.75%	2.13%	2.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEGI and FTAG in my portfolio?

VEGI and FTAG have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEGI or FTAG?

VEGI has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to FTAG (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEGI dropped -37.37% vs FTAG's -90.89%.

Which ETF is better, VEGI or FTAG?

On 10-year performance, VEGI leads with 8.51% vs 5.50% for FTAG. On fees, VEGI is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FTAG has been the lower-risk option at 3.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEGI or FTAG?

Over the 10-year period, VEGI has performed better with a 8.51% return vs 5.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEGI or FTAG?

VEGI is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTAG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEGI or FTAG?

VEGI has the higher dividend yield at 1.99%, compared with 1.41% for FTAG.

What is the main difference between VEGI and FTAG?

VEGI is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while FTAG is Large Cap Blend Equities. VEGI tracks MSCI ACWI Select Agriculture Producers Investable Market Index, while FTAG tracks Indxx Global Agriculture Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for VEGI and 0.70% for FTAG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTAG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.72 vs 0.58), 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.