VIG vs. ALTY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and ALTY (Global X Alternative Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while ALTY is a Global Allocation fund tracking the Indxx SuperDividend Alternatives Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIG returned 13.23%/yr vs 6.16%/yr for ALTY. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for ALTY.

Performance

VIG vs. ALTY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIG achieves a 7.57% return, which is significantly higher than ALTY's 6.19% return. Over the past 10 years, VIG has outperformed ALTY with an annualized return of 13.23%, while ALTY has yielded a comparatively lower 6.16% annualized return.

VIG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 19.63%
• 3Y*: 16.49%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.23%

ALTY

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 6.19%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 15.73%
• 3Y*: 11.40%
• 5Y*: 5.55%
• 10Y*: 6.16%

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

VIG vs. ALTY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.57%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	6.19%	11.07%	10.88%	10.58%	-11.92%	23.08%	-12.82%	21.44%	-6.18%	10.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and ALTY is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2015	0.59

The correlation between VIG and ALTY shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (all time) to 0.69 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VIG vs. ALTY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIG	ALTY
Technology	26.2%	18.3%
Financial Services	20.6%	0.1%
Healthcare	16.5%	1.4%
Industrials	11.8%	1.0%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	2.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	4.1%
Energy	3.5%	21.0%
Basic Materials	3.5%	0.4%
Utilities	3.2%	12.7%
Communication Services	0.5%	5.3%
Real Estate	-	33.2%

Return for Risk

VIG vs. ALTY — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 56
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 56

ALTY

ALTY Risk / Return Rank: 82
ALTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
ALTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
ALTY Omega Ratio Rank: 86
ALTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
ALTY Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

VIG vs. ALTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY). 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.

	VIG	ALTY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.73	-0.76
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	3.82	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.54	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	3.64	-1.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	16.84	-6.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIG vs. ALTY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the ALTY Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG and ALTY, 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

	VIG	ALTY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	2.73	-0.76
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.53	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	0.37	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.33	+0.26

Drawdowns

VIG vs. ALTY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, smaller than the maximum ALTY drawdown of -51.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and ALTY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	ALTY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-51.47%	+4.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-4.34%	-3.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-10.08%	-4.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	-18.48%	-1.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	-51.47%	+19.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-0.37%	+0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-6.75%	+1.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	0.94%	+1.02%

Volatility

VIG vs. ALTY - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has a higher volatility of 2.19% compared to Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) at 1.41%. This indicates that VIG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ALTY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIG	ALTY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.19%	1.41%	+0.78%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.57%	4.38%	+3.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.01%	5.79%	+4.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.23%	10.61%	+3.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.05%	16.58%	-0.53%

VIG vs. ALTY - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than ALTY's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIG vs. ALTY - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than ALTY's 8.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	8.08%	7.50%	7.88%	7.31%	7.66%	6.88%	9.20%	8.74%	8.49%	7.52%	8.20%	4.21%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIG and ALTY in my portfolio?

VIG and ALTY have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIG or ALTY?

VIG has higher volatility (2.19%) compared to ALTY (1.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs ALTY's -51.47%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or ALTY?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.23% vs 6.16% for ALTY. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ALTY has been the lower-risk option at 1.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or ALTY?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.23% return vs 6.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or ALTY?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ALTY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VIG or ALTY?

ALTY has the higher dividend yield at 8.08%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VIG and ALTY?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while ALTY is Global Allocation. VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while ALTY tracks Indxx SuperDividend Alternatives Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.50% for ALTY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALTY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 1.97), 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.