VIG vs. URA

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and URA (Global X Uranium ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while URA is a Uranium fund tracking the Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIG returned 13.17%/yr vs 16.35%/yr for URA. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for URA.

Performance

VIG vs. URA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIG achieves a 7.43% return, which is significantly lower than URA's 11.82% return. Over the past 10 years, VIG has underperformed URA with an annualized return of 13.17%, while URA has yielded a comparatively higher 16.35% annualized return.

VIG

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 7.43%
• 6M: 7.43%
• 1Y: 20.16%
• 3Y*: 15.47%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: 13.17%

URA

• 1D: 1.44%
• 1M: -2.41%
• YTD: 11.82%
• 6M: 9.09%
• 1Y: 36.15%
• 3Y*: 34.26%
• 5Y*: 22.77%
• 10Y*: 16.35%

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

VIG vs. URA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.43%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%
URA Global X Uranium ETF	11.82%	67.18%	-0.58%	46.25%	-11.32%	57.57%	41.33%	-3.54%	-22.11%	19.36%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and URA is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 5, 2010	0.48

VIG vs. URA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIG	URA
Technology	29.0%	0.9%
Financial Services	19.9%	-
Healthcare	16.6%	-
Industrials	11.3%	22.7%
Consumer Defensive	9.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	-
Basic Materials	3.3%	4.8%
Energy	3.2%	64.2%
Utilities	2.9%	7.4%
Communication Services	0.5%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

VIG vs. URA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 61
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

URA

URA Risk / Return Rank: 21
URA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
URA Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
URA Omega Ratio Rank: 21
URA Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
URA Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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. URA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VIG	URA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	0.64	+1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	1.21	+1.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.14	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	1.04	+1.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.27	2.26	+8.01

VIG vs. URA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is higher than the URA Sharpe Ratio of 0.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG and URA, 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

VIG vs. URA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, smaller than the maximum URA drawdown of -93.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and URA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	URA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-93.54%	+46.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-31.48%	+23.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-37.81%	+22.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	-37.90%	+17.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	-61.45%	+29.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.72%	-45.78%	+45.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.50%	-74.91%	+69.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	14.41%	-12.46%

Volatility

VIG vs. URA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is 2.86%, while Global X Uranium ETF (URA) has a volatility of 17.77%. This indicates that VIG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than URA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIG	URA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.86%	17.77%	-14.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.71%	39.65%	-31.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.13%	51.29%	-41.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.24%	43.88%	-29.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.06%	37.94%	-21.88%

VIG vs. URA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than URA's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIG vs. URA - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than URA's 4.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
URA Global X Uranium ETF	4.36%	4.88%	2.86%	6.07%	0.76%	5.84%	1.69%	1.66%	0.44%	2.03%	7.28%	1.96%
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 URA in my portfolio?

VIG and URA have a correlation of 0.44, 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 URA?

URA has higher volatility (17.77%) compared to VIG (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs URA's -93.54%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or URA?

On 10-year performance, URA leads with 16.35% vs 13.17% for VIG. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or URA?

Over the 10-year period, URA has performed better with a 16.35% return vs 13.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or URA?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for URA.

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

URA has the higher dividend yield at 4.36%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VIG and URA?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while URA is Uranium. VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while URA tracks Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.69% for URA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 0.64), 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.