VGT vs. VOX
VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while VOX is a Communications Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGT returned 25.96%/yr vs 8.39%/yr for VOX. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.
Performance
VGT vs. VOX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 28.03% return, which is significantly higher than VOX's -5.59% return. Over the past 10 years, VGT has outperformed VOX with an annualized return of 25.96%, while VOX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.39% 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%
VOX
- 1D
- -2.41%
- 1M
- -6.74%
- YTD
- -5.59%
- 6M
- -5.26%
- 1Y
- 13.76%
- 3Y*
- 21.71%
- 5Y*
- 6.17%
- 10Y*
- 8.39%
VGT vs. VOX - 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% |
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | -5.59% | 26.27% | 33.12% | 44.81% | -38.85% | 13.83% | 29.12% | 28.03% | -16.75% | -5.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between VGT and VOX is 0.51, 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 | 0.51 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.64 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.74 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.70 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004 | 0.70 |
The correlation between VGT and VOX shifts across timeframes, from 0.51 (1 year) to 0.74 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
VGT vs. VOX — Risk / Return Rank
VGT
VOX
VGT vs. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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 | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.55 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.66 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.40 | 1.16 | +0.24 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.31 | 1.02 | +2.29 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 10.16 | 3.65 | +6.51 |
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Drawdowns
VGT vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, roughly equal to the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and VOX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VGT | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -54.63% | -57.18% | +2.55% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -16.40% | -13.56% | -2.84% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -27.23% | -21.15% | -6.08% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -35.07% | -46.76% | +11.69% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -35.07% | -46.76% | +11.69% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -4.18% | -8.76% | +4.58% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.95% | -11.90% | +3.95% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.34% | 3.78% | +1.56% |
Volatility
VGT vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a higher volatility of 10.66% compared to Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) at 5.45%. This indicates that VGT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VGT | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 10.66% | 5.45% | +5.21% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 18.19% | 11.94% | +6.25% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 22.44% | 15.83% | +6.61% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 25.50% | 21.24% | +4.26% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 24.78% | 20.94% | +3.84% |
VGT vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both VGT and VOX 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. VOX - Dividend Comparison
VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%, less than VOX's 1.04% 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% |
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | 1.04% | 0.95% | 1.05% | 1.03% | 0.88% | 0.93% | 0.73% | 0.90% | 2.77% | 3.83% | 2.67% | 3.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VGT and VOX have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VGT has higher volatility (10.66%) compared to VOX (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs VOX's -57.18%.
On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 25.96% vs 8.39% for VOX. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 5.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 25.96% return vs 8.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VGT and VOX have the same expense ratio: 0.09% per year.
VOX has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.32% for VGT.
VGT is categorized as Technology Equities, while VOX is Communications Equities. VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index.
VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 0.87), 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.
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