VGT vs. VHYAX

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and VHYAX (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while VHYAX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VGT returned 21.17%/yr vs 11.56%/yr for VHYAX. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VHYAX.

Performance

VGT vs. VHYAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHYAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 28.27% return, which is significantly higher than VHYAX's 12.41% return.

VGT

• 1D: 3.42%
• 1M: 6.55%
• YTD: 28.27%
• 6M: 29.82%
• 1Y: 55.62%
• 3Y*: 30.76%
• 5Y*: 21.17%
• 10Y*: 25.72%

VHYAX

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 12.41%
• 6M: 11.32%
• 1Y: 25.93%
• 3Y*: 18.05%
• 5Y*: 11.56%
• 10Y*: —

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

VGT vs. VHYAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	28.27%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	33.02%
VHYAX Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares	12.41%	15.39%	17.39%	6.68%	-0.45%	26.08%	1.06%	16.67%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and VHYAX is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2019	0.59

The correlation between VGT and VHYAX shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VGT vs. VHYAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	VHYAX
Technology	98.5%	17.7%
Communication Services	0.5%	3.5%
Financial Services	0.5%	20.5%
Industrials	0.4%	12.1%
Energy	0.3%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	6.7%
Basic Materials	0.0%	3.5%
Healthcare	0.0%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	8.1%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	5.7%

Return for Risk

VGT vs. VHYAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 77
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 79
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VHYAX

VHYAX Risk / Return Rank: 82
VHYAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VHYAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
VHYAX Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VHYAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
VHYAX 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. VHYAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHYAX). 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	VHYAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.52	2.35	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.09	3.34	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.42	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.41	3.67	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.55	13.79	-3.24

VGT vs. VHYAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 2.52, which is comparable to the VHYAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and VHYAX, 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. VHYAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, which is greater than VHYAX's maximum drawdown of -35.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and VHYAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	VHYAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-35.14%	-19.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-6.75%	-9.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-14.42%	-12.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	-15.87%	-19.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.01%	-0.45%	-3.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-3.76%	-4.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.29%	1.80%	+3.49%

Volatility

VGT vs. VHYAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a higher volatility of 10.42% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHYAX) at 3.38%. This indicates that VGT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VHYAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	VHYAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.42%	3.38%	+7.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.28%	7.87%	+10.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.20%	10.53%	+11.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.45%	14.03%	+11.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.75%	17.95%	+6.80%

VGT vs. VHYAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VHYAX's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGT vs. VHYAX - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%, less than VHYAX's 2.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VHYAX Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.17%	2.42%	2.72%	3.09%	2.98%	2.74%	3.16%	3.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGT and VHYAX in my portfolio?

VGT and VHYAX have a correlation of 0.47, 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 VHYAX?

VGT has higher volatility (10.42%) compared to VHYAX (3.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs VHYAX's -35.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.35), 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.