VIS vs. EXI

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VIS (Vanguard Industrials ETF) and EXI (iShares Global Industrials ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - VIS tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Industrials 25/50 Index while EXI tracks the S&P Global 1200 / Industrials -SEC. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VIS returned 14.09%/yr vs 12.46%/yr for EXI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VIS charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for EXI.

Performance

VIS vs. EXI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) and iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIS achieves a 14.99% return, which is significantly higher than EXI's 11.12% return. Over the past 10 years, VIS has outperformed EXI with an annualized return of 14.09%, while EXI has yielded a comparatively lower 12.46% annualized return.

VIS

• 1D: 1.16%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 14.99%
• 6M: 16.70%
• 1Y: 28.58%
• 3Y*: 22.65%
• 5Y*: 12.78%
• 10Y*: 14.09%

EXI

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 11.12%
• 6M: 14.64%
• 1Y: 22.53%
• 3Y*: 20.82%
• 5Y*: 11.34%
• 10Y*: 12.46%

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

VIS vs. EXI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VIS Vanguard Industrials ETF	14.99%	18.57%	16.85%	22.50%	-8.57%	20.80%	12.34%	30.09%	-14.01%	21.47%
EXI iShares Global Industrials ETF	11.12%	25.88%	12.47%	22.04%	-12.36%	17.37%	11.33%	27.13%	-14.41%	25.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VIS and EXI is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2006	0.92

The correlation between VIS and EXI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIS vs. EXI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIS	EXI
Industrials	89.4%	92.8%
Technology	4.5%	2.7%
Utilities	4.3%	2.9%
Consumer Cyclical	1.1%	0.6%
Financial Services	0.2%	0.1%
Energy	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.1%	0.2%
Communication Services	0.0%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

VIS vs. EXI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIS

VIS Risk / Return Rank: 50
VIS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VIS Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
VIS Omega Ratio Rank: 47
VIS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VIS Martin Ratio Rank: 55

EXI

EXI Risk / Return Rank: 41
EXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
EXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
EXI Omega Ratio Rank: 39
EXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EXI Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

VIS vs. EXI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) and iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI). 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.

	VIS	EXI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.75	1.42	+0.33
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.12	+0.38
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.26	+0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.31	1.84	+0.46
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.60	7.53	+2.07
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIS vs. EXI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIS Sharpe Ratio is 1.75, which is comparable to the EXI Sharpe Ratio of 1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIS and EXI, 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

	VIS	EXI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75	1.42	+0.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70	0.67	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69	0.68	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.42	+0.10

Drawdowns

VIS vs. EXI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIS drawdown since its inception was -63.51%, roughly equal to the maximum EXI drawdown of -62.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIS and EXI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIS	EXI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.51%	-62.60%	-0.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.29%	-12.35%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.80%	-14.38%	-6.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.96%	-27.23%	+4.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.42%	-39.56%	-2.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-2.95%	+2.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.38%	-9.97%	+1.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.95%	3.02%	-0.07%

Volatility

VIS vs. EXI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) and iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) have volatilities of 5.29% and 5.49%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIS	EXI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.29%	5.49%	-0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	13.50%	+0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.42%	15.91%	+0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.35%	16.99%	+1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.43%	18.42%	+2.01%

VIS vs. EXI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIS has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than EXI's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIS vs. EXI - Dividend Comparison

VIS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.89%, less than EXI's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EXI iShares Global Industrials ETF	1.19%	1.32%	1.47%	1.84%	1.63%	1.42%	1.26%	1.72%	2.21%	1.48%	1.75%	1.95%
VIS Vanguard Industrials ETF	0.89%	1.01%	1.23%	1.36%	1.52%	1.11%	1.38%	1.68%	1.90%	1.60%	1.81%	1.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIS and EXI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VIS and EXI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VIS or EXI?

EXI has higher volatility (5.49%) compared to VIS (5.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIS dropped -63.51% vs EXI's -62.60%.

Which ETF is better, VIS or EXI?

On 10-year performance, VIS leads with 14.09% vs 12.46% for EXI. On fees, VIS is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VIS has been the lower-risk option at 5.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIS or EXI?

Over the 10-year period, VIS has performed better with a 14.09% return vs 12.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIS or EXI?

VIS is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for EXI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VIS or EXI?

EXI has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.89% for VIS.

What is the main difference between VIS and EXI?

VIS tracks MSCI US Investable Market Industrials 25/50 Index, while EXI tracks S&P Global 1200 / Industrials -SEC. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VIS and 0.43% for EXI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.75 vs 1.42), 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.