VGT vs. VDC

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while VDC is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGT returned 25.96%/yr vs 7.74%/yr for VDC. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.

Performance

VGT vs. VDC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 28.03% return, which is significantly higher than VDC's 6.86% return. Over the past 10 years, VGT has outperformed VDC with an annualized return of 25.96%, while VDC has yielded a comparatively lower 7.74% annualized return.

VGT

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 4.11%
• YTD: 28.03%
• 6M: 26.85%
• 1Y: 54.06%
• 3Y*: 31.77%
• 5Y*: 20.58%
• 10Y*: 25.96%

VDC

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 6.86%
• 6M: 6.42%
• 1Y: 5.06%
• 3Y*: 7.47%
• 5Y*: 6.96%
• 10Y*: 7.74%

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

VGT vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	28.03%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	6.86%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and VDC is -0.26, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.02
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.51

The correlation between VGT and VDC shifts across timeframes, from -0.26 (1 year) to 0.51 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGT vs. VDC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	VDC
Technology	98.5%	-
Communication Services	0.5%	-
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.4%	0.3%
Energy	0.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	1.7%
Basic Materials	0.0%	0.4%
Healthcare	0.0%	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	97.3%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VGT vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 69
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 59

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 14
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). 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	VDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	0.40	+2.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.99	0.67	+2.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.08	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.31	0.55	+2.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.16	1.09	+9.07

VGT vs. VDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is higher than the VDC Sharpe Ratio of 0.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and VDC, 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. VDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, which is greater than VDC's maximum drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and VDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	VDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-34.24%	-20.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-9.28%	-7.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-11.78%	-15.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	-16.55%	-18.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	-25.31%	-9.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.18%	-7.56%	+3.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-3.73%	-4.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.34%	4.65%	+0.69%

Volatility

VGT vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a higher volatility of 10.66% compared to Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) at 4.82%. This indicates that VGT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	VDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.66%	4.82%	+5.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.19%	10.20%	+7.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.44%	12.69%	+9.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.50%	13.18%	+12.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.78%	14.68%	+10.10%

VGT vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VGT and VDC 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

VGT vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%, less than VDC's 2.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.15%	2.26%	2.33%	2.65%	2.37%	2.14%	2.50%	2.44%	2.78%	2.52%	2.39%	2.55%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.32%	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 VDC in my portfolio?

VGT and VDC have a correlation of -0.26, 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 VDC?

VGT has higher volatility (10.66%) compared to VDC (4.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs VDC's -34.24%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or VDC?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.96% vs 7.74% for VDC. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, VDC has been the lower-risk option at 4.82%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or VDC?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.96% return vs 7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or VDC?

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

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

VDC has the higher dividend yield at 2.15%, compared with 0.32% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and VDC?

VGT is categorized as Technology Equities, while VDC is Consumer Staples Equities. VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 0.40), 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.