VGT vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGT returned 24.81%/yr vs 9.19%/yr for VXUS. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

VGT vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 22.48% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 10.17% return. Over the past 10 years, VGT has outperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 24.81%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively lower 9.19% annualized return.

VGT

• 1D: -6.14%
• 1M: 5.22%
• YTD: 22.48%
• 6M: 20.33%
• 1Y: 49.26%
• 3Y*: 30.47%
• 5Y*: 20.48%
• 10Y*: 24.81%

VXUS

• 1D: -3.73%
• 1M: -3.02%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 12.29%
• 1Y: 26.30%
• 3Y*: 17.71%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

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

VGT vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	22.48%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-29.70%	30.45%	46.04%	48.62%	2.46%	37.08%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	10.17%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and VXUS is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2011	0.71

The correlation between VGT and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

VGT vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	VXUS
Technology	98.5%	18.1%
Communication Services	0.5%	4.4%
Financial Services	0.5%	22.3%
Industrials	0.4%	16.1%
Energy	0.3%	5.2%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	8.4%
Basic Materials	0.0%	7.6%
Healthcare	0.0%	7.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.0%
Real Estate	-	2.6%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

VGT vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 63
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 50
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	VGT	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.69	+0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.31	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.34	+0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.59	9.11	+0.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGT vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGT	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.30	1.69	+0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.48	+0.33
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.01	0.54	+0.47
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.37	+0.29

Drawdowns

VGT vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-35.97%	-18.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-11.27%	-5.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	-13.58%	-13.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	-29.44%	-5.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	-35.97%	+0.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.34%	-4.52%	-3.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-8.21%	+0.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.15%	2.89%	+2.26%

Volatility

VGT vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) has a higher volatility of 9.29% compared to Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) at 6.16%. This indicates that VGT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGT	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.29%	6.16%	+3.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.37%	13.58%	+3.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.51%	15.67%	+5.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.31%	16.12%	+9.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.68%	17.19%	+7.49%

VGT vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% 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. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than VXUS's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.75%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGT and VXUS in my portfolio?

VGT and VXUS have a correlation of 0.67, 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 VXUS?

VGT has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to VXUS (6.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VGT leads with 24.81% vs 9.19% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 6.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VGT has performed better with a 24.81% return vs 9.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VGT.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.75%, compared with 0.33% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and VXUS?

VGT is categorized as Technology Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VGT and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.69), 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.