VGT vs. ICLN

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while ICLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGT returned 24.14%/yr vs 8.54%/yr for ICLN. Their 0.60 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for ICLN.

Performance

VGT vs. ICLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 20.52% return, which is significantly higher than ICLN's 8.51% return. Over the past 10 years, VGT has outperformed ICLN with an annualized return of 24.14%, while ICLN has yielded a comparatively lower 8.54% annualized return.

VGT

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: -1.88%
• 6M: 20.32%
• YTD: 20.52%
• 1Y: 32.19%
• 3Y*: 26.68%
• 5Y*: 17.70%
• 10Y*: 24.14%
• ALL TIME*: 14.86%

ICLN

• 1D: -3.21%
• 1M: -12.37%
• 6M: -2.42%
• YTD: 8.51%
• 1Y: 28.61%
• 3Y*: -0.23%
• 5Y*: -3.38%
• 10Y*: 8.54%
• ALL TIME*: -3.87%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	$75.84M	$93.70M	$122.85M
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	$496.23M	$516.61M	$562.67M

VGT vs. ICLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	20.52%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	8.51%	47.05%	-25.72%	-20.41%	-5.43%	-24.18%	141.82%	44.36%	-9.03%	21.47%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and ICLN is 0.65, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2008	0.60

The correlation between VGT and ICLN shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (3 years) to 0.65 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGT vs. ICLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	ICLN
Technology	98.6%	24.7%
Communication Services	0.5%	-
Financial Services	0.5%	0.1%
Industrials	0.4%	22.8%
Energy	0.3%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	0.1%
Basic Materials	0.0%	1.6%
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	40.4%

Return for Risk

VGT vs. ICLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 55
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 48

ICLN

ICLN Risk / Return Rank: 38
ICLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
ICLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ICLN Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ICLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
ICLN Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

VGT vs. ICLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). 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.

	VGT	ICLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	0.97	+0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	1.44	+0.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.17	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.99	1.17	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.55	3.96	+1.59

VGT vs. ICLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is higher than the ICLN Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and ICLN, 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

VGT vs. ICLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, smaller than the maximum ICLN drawdown of -87.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and ICLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	ICLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-87.15%	+32.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-24.94%	+8.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-40.82%	+13.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	-57.16%	+22.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	-66.75%	+31.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.81%	-51.46%	+41.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-66.44%	+58.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.87%	7.36%	-1.49%

Volatility

VGT vs. ICLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) is 7.50%, while iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) has a volatility of 10.43%. This indicates that VGT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ICLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	ICLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.50%	10.43%	-2.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.46%	24.87%	-5.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.59%	30.01%	-6.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.70%	27.94%	-2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.82%	27.45%	-2.63%

VGT vs. ICLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than ICLN's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGT vs. ICLN - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than ICLN's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	1.04%	1.63%	1.85%	1.59%	0.89%	1.18%	0.34%	1.36%	2.77%	2.49%	3.88%	2.36%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.38%	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 VGT and ICLN in my portfolio?

VGT and ICLN have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGT or ICLN?

ICLN has higher volatility (10.43%) compared to VGT (7.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs ICLN's -87.15%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or ICLN?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 24.14% vs 8.54% for ICLN. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 7.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or ICLN?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 24.14% return vs 8.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or ICLN?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for ICLN.

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

ICLN has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.38% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and ICLN?

VGT is categorized as Technology Equities, while ICLN is Alternative Energy Equities. VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while ICLN tracks S&P Global Clean Energy Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VGT and 0.39% for ICLN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 0.97), 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.