VNQI vs. PNNT

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VNQI (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF) is REIT fund tracking the S&P Global ex-U.S. Property Index, while PNNT (PennantPark Investment Corporation) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VNQI returned 2.74%/yr vs 7.07%/yr for PNNT. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VNQI vs. PNNT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI) and PennantPark Investment Corporation (PNNT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VNQI achieves a -0.33% return, which is significantly higher than PNNT's -29.84% return. Over the past 10 years, VNQI has underperformed PNNT with an annualized return of 2.74%, while PNNT has yielded a comparatively higher 7.07% annualized return.

VNQI

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: -3.12%
• YTD: -0.33%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 5.87%
• 3Y*: 8.59%
• 5Y*: -1.50%
• 10Y*: 2.74%

PNNT

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: -8.53%
• YTD: -29.84%
• 6M: -27.65%
• 1Y: -33.82%
• 3Y*: 0.38%
• 5Y*: 0.83%
• 10Y*: 7.07%

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

VNQI vs. PNNT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VNQI Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF	-0.33%	21.38%	-2.22%	6.99%	-22.94%	5.93%	-7.22%	21.59%	-9.44%	26.91%
PNNT PennantPark Investment Corporation	-29.84%	-2.96%	16.56%	37.25%	-8.90%	61.71%	-17.99%	14.30%	2.05%	-0.65%

Correlation

The correlation between VNQI and PNNT is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.38
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2010	0.39

The correlation between VNQI and PNNT shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (1 year) to 0.39 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VNQI vs. PNNT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VNQI

VNQI Risk / Return Rank: 16
VNQI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
VNQI Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VNQI Omega Ratio Rank: 16
VNQI Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VNQI Martin Ratio Rank: 15

PNNT

PNNT Risk / Return Rank: 5
PNNT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
PNNT Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
PNNT Omega Ratio Rank: 5
PNNT Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
PNNT Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

VNQI vs. PNNT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI) and PennantPark Investment Corporation (PNNT). 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.

	VNQI	PNNT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	-1.25	+1.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.70	-1.70	+2.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	0.78	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.40	-0.80	+1.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.13	-1.65	+2.78

VNQI vs. PNNT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VNQI Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is higher than the PNNT Sharpe Ratio of -1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VNQI and PNNT, 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

VNQI vs. PNNT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VNQI drawdown since its inception was -38.35%, smaller than the maximum PNNT drawdown of -82.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VNQI and PNNT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VNQI	PNNT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.35%	-82.16%	+43.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.78%	-42.61%	+27.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.35%	-42.61%	+26.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.55%	-42.61%	+7.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.35%	-69.14%	+30.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.99%	-40.28%	+30.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.89%	-15.29%	+4.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.19%	20.58%	-15.39%

Volatility

VNQI vs. PNNT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI) is 4.62%, while PennantPark Investment Corporation (PNNT) has a volatility of 9.97%. This indicates that VNQI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PNNT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VNQI	PNNT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.62%	9.97%	-5.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.75%	23.95%	-12.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.73%	27.06%	-13.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.54%	23.79%	-8.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.07%	32.76%	-16.69%

Dividends

VNQI vs. PNNT - Dividend Comparison

VNQI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, less than PNNT's 24.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PNNT PennantPark Investment Corporation	24.94%	16.11%	12.85%	11.65%	10.43%	6.93%	11.71%	11.03%	11.30%	10.42%	14.62%	18.12%
VNQI Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF	4.72%	4.70%	5.16%	3.74%	0.57%	6.48%	0.93%	7.58%	4.62%	3.86%	5.18%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VNQI and PNNT in my portfolio?

VNQI and PNNT have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VNQI or PNNT?

PNNT has higher volatility (9.97%) compared to VNQI (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VNQI dropped -38.35% vs PNNT's -82.16%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VNQI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.43 vs -1.25), 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.