VO vs. DBC

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) and DBC (Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index, while DBC is a Commodities fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VO returned 11.63%/yr vs 8.31%/yr for DBC. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VO charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBC.

Performance

VO vs. DBC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VO achieves a 9.36% return, which is significantly lower than DBC's 29.03% return. Over the past 10 years, VO has outperformed DBC with an annualized return of 11.63%, while DBC has yielded a comparatively lower 8.31% annualized return.

VO

• 1D: 1.86%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: 9.36%
• 6M: 7.17%
• 1Y: 17.42%
• 3Y*: 15.76%
• 5Y*: 7.58%
• 10Y*: 11.63%

DBC

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -8.96%
• YTD: 29.03%
• 6M: 29.04%
• 1Y: 35.74%
• 3Y*: 13.82%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 8.31%

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

VO vs. DBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	9.36%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	29.03%	8.10%	2.18%	-6.19%	19.34%	41.36%	-7.84%	11.84%	-11.63%	4.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VO and DBC is -0.13, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.07
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.34

The correlation between VO and DBC shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (1 year) to 0.34 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VO vs. DBC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VO	DBC
Technology	18.6%	-
Industrials	17.9%	-
Financial Services	12.8%	91.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	-
Energy	8.5%	-
Utilities	8.3%	-
Healthcare	7.6%	-
Real Estate	5.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Basic Materials	4.2%	-
Communication Services	3.1%	-

Return for Risk

VO vs. DBC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 50
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 56

DBC

DBC Risk / Return Rank: 72
DBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
DBC Omega Ratio Rank: 68
DBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
DBC Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

VO vs. DBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). 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.

	VO	DBC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.90	-0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.51	-0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.33	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.14	4.01	-1.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.08	10.20	-2.11

VO vs. DBC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VO Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the DBC Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VO and DBC, 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

VO vs. DBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VO drawdown since its inception was -58.87%, smaller than the maximum DBC drawdown of -76.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VO and DBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VO	DBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.87%	-76.36%	+17.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.17%	-8.96%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.02%	-13.82%	-5.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.57%	-27.34%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.37%	-41.71%	+2.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-25.36%	+23.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.86%	-46.20%	+38.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	3.51%	-1.35%

Volatility

VO vs. DBC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is 4.25%, while Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) has a volatility of 5.20%. This indicates that VO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VO	DBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.25%	5.20%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.76%	16.07%	-6.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.72%	18.97%	-6.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.65%	19.22%	-1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.96%	17.82%	+1.14%

VO vs. DBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VO has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than DBC's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

VO vs. DBC - Dividend Comparison

VO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than DBC's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	2.58%	3.33%	5.22%	4.94%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	1.59%	1.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.37%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VO and DBC in my portfolio?

VO and DBC have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VO or DBC?

DBC has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to VO (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VO dropped -58.87% vs DBC's -76.36%.

Which ETF is better, VO or DBC?

On 10-year performance, VO leads with 11.63% vs 8.31% for DBC. On fees, VO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VO has been the lower-risk option at 4.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VO or DBC?

Over the 10-year period, VO has performed better with a 11.63% return vs 8.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VO or DBC?

VO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DBC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VO or DBC?

DBC has the higher dividend yield at 2.58%, compared with 1.37% for VO.

What is the main difference between VO and DBC?

VO is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while DBC is Commodities. VO tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Index, while DBC tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VO and 0.85% for DBC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.38), 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.