VGVT vs. DBO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) and DBO (Invesco DB Oil Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VGVT is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while DBO is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Crude Oil Index Excess Return. VGVT is actively managed, while DBO is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.40, they often move in opposite directions. VGVT charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBO.

Performance

VGVT vs. DBO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGVT achieves a 0.11% return, which is significantly lower than DBO's 84.75% return.

VGVT

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBO

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: -2.34%
• YTD: 84.75%
• 6M: 81.10%
• 1Y: 80.26%
• 3Y*: 21.86%
• 5Y*: 15.98%
• 10Y*: 11.37%

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

VGVT vs. DBO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	0.11%	3.28%
DBO Invesco DB Oil Fund	84.75%	-8.38%

Correlation

The correlation between VGVT and DBO is -0.40, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	-0.40

Return for Risk

VGVT vs. DBO — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBO

DBO Risk / Return Rank: 65
DBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
DBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DBO Omega Ratio Rank: 60
DBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
DBO Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

VGVT vs. DBO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Invesco DB Oil Fund (DBO). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGVT	DBO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.34	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	0.02	+1.15

Drawdowns

VGVT vs. DBO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGVT drawdown since its inception was -2.77%, smaller than the maximum DBO drawdown of -90.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGVT and DBO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGVT	DBO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-90.18%	+87.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.19%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-28.20%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-37.68%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-61.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.76%	-51.38%	+49.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-62.25%	+61.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.92%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGVT	DBO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	12.61%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	28.20%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.22%	34.46%	-31.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.22%	32.29%	-29.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.22%	31.78%	-28.56%

VGVT vs. DBO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGVT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than DBO's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGVT vs. DBO - Dividend Comparison

VGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, more than DBO's 1.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBO Invesco DB Oil Fund	1.90%	3.51%	4.68%	4.59%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	1.63%	1.58%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	3.99%	2.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGVT and DBO in my portfolio?

VGVT and DBO have a correlation of -0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VGVT or DBO?

On fees, VGVT is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGVT or DBO?

VGVT is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGVT or DBO?

VGVT has the higher dividend yield at 3.99%, compared with 1.90% for DBO.

What is the main difference between VGVT and DBO?

VGVT is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while DBO is Oil & Gas. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VGVT and 0.78% for DBO.