VGT vs. IDGT

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and IDGT (iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index while IDGT tracks the S&P Data Center, Tower REIT and Communications Equipment Index - Benchmark TR Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGT returned 25.77%/yr vs 14.65%/yr for IDGT. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.41%/yr for IDGT.

Performance

VGT vs. IDGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 22.82% return, which is significantly lower than IDGT's 42.89% return. Over the past 10 years, VGT has outperformed IDGT with an annualized return of 25.77%, while IDGT has yielded a comparatively lower 14.65% annualized return.

VGT

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 22.82%
• 6M: 20.81%
• 1Y: 42.45%
• 3Y*: 30.31%
• 5Y*: 19.42%
• 10Y*: 25.77%

IDGT

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -4.29%
• YTD: 42.89%
• 6M: 41.41%
• 1Y: 49.75%
• 3Y*: 23.17%
• 5Y*: 11.35%
• 10Y*: 14.65%

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

VGT vs. IDGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	22.82%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%
IDGT iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF	42.89%	6.79%	26.71%	-6.09%	-17.90%	42.14%	8.78%	17.39%	-1.97%	11.81%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and IDGT is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.79

The correlation between VGT and IDGT shifts across timeframes, from 0.69 (3 years) to 0.79 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGT vs. IDGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	IDGT
Technology	98.5%	56.9%
Communication Services	0.5%	6.7%
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.4%	-
Energy	0.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	35.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VGT vs. IDGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 60
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 53

IDGT

IDGT Risk / Return Rank: 84
IDGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
IDGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
IDGT Omega Ratio Rank: 78
IDGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
IDGT Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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. IDGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT). 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	IDGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	2.34	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	3.02	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.40	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	5.54	-2.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.87	15.44	-7.57

VGT vs. IDGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the IDGT Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and IDGT, 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. IDGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, smaller than the maximum IDGT drawdown of -77.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and IDGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	IDGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-77.95%	+23.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-9.02%	-7.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-23.74%	-3.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	-35.83%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	-36.88%	+1.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.08%	-8.62%	+0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-19.88%	+11.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.41%	3.23%	+2.18%

Volatility

VGT vs. IDGT - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a higher volatility of 11.17% compared to iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT) at 8.46%. This indicates that VGT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IDGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	IDGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.17%	8.46%	+2.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.51%	17.71%	+0.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.66%	21.40%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.55%	23.36%	+2.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.76%	23.32%	+1.44%

VGT vs. IDGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than IDGT's 0.41% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGT vs. IDGT - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, less than IDGT's 0.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDGT iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF	0.75%	1.17%	1.64%	0.37%	0.30%	0.28%	0.60%	0.42%	0.65%	0.57%	0.75%	0.72%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.45%	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 IDGT in my portfolio?

VGT and IDGT have a correlation of 0.70, 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 IDGT?

VGT has higher volatility (11.17%) compared to IDGT (8.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs IDGT's -77.95%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or IDGT?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.77% vs 14.65% for IDGT. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, IDGT has been the lower-risk option at 8.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or IDGT?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.77% return vs 14.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or IDGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for IDGT.

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

IDGT has the higher dividend yield at 0.75%, compared with 0.45% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and IDGT?

VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while IDGT tracks S&P Data Center, Tower REIT and Communications Equipment Index - Benchmark TR Gross. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VGT and 0.41% for IDGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.88), 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.