VOX vs. VIS
VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) and VIS (Vanguard Industrials ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOX is a Communications Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index, while VIS is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Industrials 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOX returned 8.96%/yr vs 13.91%/yr for VIS. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.09% expense ratio.
Performance
VOX vs. VIS - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VOX achieves a -3.11% return, which is significantly lower than VIS's 13.89% return. Over the past 10 years, VOX has underperformed VIS with an annualized return of 8.96%, while VIS has yielded a comparatively higher 13.91% annualized return.
VOX
- 1D
- -0.72%
- 1M
- -5.33%
- YTD
- -3.11%
- 6M
- -2.48%
- 1Y
- 15.34%
- 3Y*
- 23.12%
- 5Y*
- 7.10%
- 10Y*
- 8.96%
VIS
- 1D
- -0.31%
- 1M
- 0.03%
- YTD
- 13.89%
- 6M
- 14.16%
- 1Y
- 24.77%
- 3Y*
- 21.62%
- 5Y*
- 12.72%
- 10Y*
- 13.91%
VOX vs. VIS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | -3.11% | 26.27% | 33.12% | 44.81% | -38.85% | 13.83% | 29.12% | 28.03% | -16.75% | -5.50% |
VIS Vanguard Industrials ETF | 13.89% | 18.57% | 16.85% | 22.50% | -8.57% | 20.80% | 12.34% | 30.09% | -14.01% | 21.47% |
Correlation
The correlation between VOX and VIS is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.48 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.55 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.64 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.61 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2004 | 0.67 |
The correlation between VOX and VIS shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VOX vs. VIS — Risk / Return Rank
VOX
VIS
VOX vs. VIS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) and Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS). 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.
| VOX | VIS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.52 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.68 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.18 | 1.26 | -0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.14 | 2.02 | -0.89 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.29 | 8.39 | -4.10 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VOX | VIS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.99 | 1.51 | -0.52 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.34 | 0.70 | -0.36 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.43 | 0.68 | -0.25 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.43 | 0.52 | -0.09 |
Drawdowns
VOX vs. VIS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VOX drawdown since its inception was -57.18%, smaller than the maximum VIS drawdown of -63.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOX and VIS.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VOX | VIS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -57.18% | -63.51% | +6.33% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -13.56% | -12.29% | -1.27% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -21.15% | -20.80% | -0.35% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -46.76% | -22.96% | -23.80% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -46.76% | -42.42% | -4.34% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -6.36% | -1.85% | -4.51% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.91% | -8.37% | -3.54% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.59% | 2.96% | +0.63% |
Volatility
VOX vs. VIS - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) and Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) have volatilities of 4.39% and 4.56%, 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VOX | VIS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.39% | 4.56% | -0.17% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.33% | 13.57% | -2.24% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.53% | 16.52% | -0.99% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 21.17% | 18.37% | +2.80% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.90% | 20.44% | +0.46% |
VOX vs. VIS - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both VOX and VIS have an expense ratio of 0.09%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VOX vs. VIS - Dividend Comparison
VOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, more than VIS's 0.90% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VIS Vanguard Industrials ETF | 0.90% | 1.01% | 1.23% | 1.36% | 1.52% | 1.11% | 1.38% | 1.68% | 1.90% | 1.60% | 1.81% | 1.94% |
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | 1.01% | 0.95% | 1.05% | 1.03% | 0.88% | 0.93% | 0.73% | 0.90% | 2.77% | 3.83% | 2.67% | 3.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VOX and VIS have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VIS has higher volatility (4.56%) compared to VOX (4.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOX dropped -57.18% vs VIS's -63.51%.
On 10-year performance, VIS leads with 13.91% vs 8.96% for VOX. Both ETFs have the same 0.09% expense ratio. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 4.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VIS has performed better with a 13.91% return vs 8.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VOX and VIS have the same expense ratio: 0.09% per year.
VOX has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.90% for VIS.
VOX is categorized as Communications Equities, while VIS is Industrials Equities. VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index, while VIS tracks MSCI US Investable Market Industrials 25/50 Index.
VIS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 0.99), 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.
Find the right allocation for VOX and VIS
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer