VGSR vs. UCON

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VGSR (Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate ETF) and UCON (First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGSR is a REIT fund actively managed by Vert, while UCON is a Nontraditional Bonds fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, VGSR returned 12.40% vs 5.16% for UCON. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VGSR charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.86%/yr for UCON.

Performance

VGSR vs. UCON - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate ETF (VGSR) and First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF (UCON). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSR achieves a 10.37% return, which is significantly higher than UCON's 0.74% return.

VGSR

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 0.98%
• YTD: 10.37%
• 6M: 11.16%
• 1Y: 12.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

UCON

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 0.74%
• 6M: 0.90%
• 1Y: 5.16%
• 3Y*: 5.89%
• 5Y*: 2.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

VGSR vs. UCON - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VGSR Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate ETF	10.37%	6.31%	5.59%	7.06%
UCON First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF	0.74%	7.00%	4.69%	1.93%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSR and UCON is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2023	0.42

The correlation between VGSR and UCON has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.42 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGSR vs. UCON — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSR

VGSR Risk / Return Rank: 27
VGSR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VGSR Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VGSR Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VGSR Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
VGSR Martin Ratio Rank: 31

UCON

UCON Risk / Return Rank: 50
UCON Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
UCON Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
UCON Omega Ratio Rank: 53
UCON Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
UCON Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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.

VGSR vs. UCON - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate ETF (VGSR) and First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF (UCON). 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.

	VGSR	UCON	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.96	1.73	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	2.49	-1.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.32	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	2.11	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.24	8.09	-3.85

VGSR vs. UCON - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSR Sharpe Ratio is 0.96, which is lower than the UCON Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSR and UCON, 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

VGSR vs. UCON - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSR drawdown since its inception was -18.33%, which is greater than UCON's maximum drawdown of -15.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSR and UCON.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSR	UCON	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.33%	-15.31%	-3.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.74%	-2.45%	-7.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-2.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-9.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-0.45%	-0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-1.48%	-2.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	0.64%	+2.29%

Volatility

VGSR vs. UCON - Volatility Comparison

Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate ETF (VGSR) has a higher volatility of 3.72% compared to First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF (UCON) at 0.86%. This indicates that VGSR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than UCON based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSR	UCON	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.72%	0.86%	+2.86%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.97%	2.38%	+7.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.95%	2.99%	+9.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.08%	3.90%	+11.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.08%	5.88%	+9.20%

VGSR vs. UCON - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSR has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than UCON's 0.86% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGSR vs. UCON - Dividend Comparison

VGSR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%, less than UCON's 4.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
UCON First Trust TCW Unconstrained Plus Bond ETF	4.66%	4.63%	4.95%	4.75%	3.12%	2.20%	3.14%	3.25%	1.76%
VGSR Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate ETF	3.39%	3.41%	3.79%	2.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGSR and UCON in my portfolio?

VGSR and UCON have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSR or UCON?

VGSR has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to UCON (0.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSR dropped -18.33% vs UCON's -15.31%.

Which ETF is better, VGSR or UCON?

On 1-year performance, VGSR leads with 12.40% vs 5.16% for UCON. On fees, VGSR is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, UCON has been the lower-risk option at 0.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGSR or UCON?

Over the 1-year period, VGSR has performed better with a 12.40% return vs 5.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGSR or UCON?

VGSR is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.86% for UCON.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGSR or UCON?

UCON has the higher dividend yield at 4.66%, compared with 3.39% for VGSR.

What is the main difference between VGSR and UCON?

VGSR is categorized as REIT, while UCON is Nontraditional Bonds. They also come from different issuers: Vert and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for VGSR and 0.86% for UCON.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UCON currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 0.96), 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.