VPU vs. ACN

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) is Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while ACN (Accenture plc) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VPU returned 9.06%/yr vs 5.50%/yr for ACN. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VPU vs. ACN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Accenture plc (ACN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 4.93% return, which is significantly higher than ACN's -35.62% return. Over the past 10 years, VPU has outperformed ACN with an annualized return of 9.06%, while ACN has yielded a comparatively lower 5.50% annualized return.

VPU

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 4.93%
• 6M: 5.15%
• 1Y: 12.62%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 9.17%
• 10Y*: 9.06%

ACN

• 1D: 1.65%
• 1M: 3.84%
• YTD: -35.62%
• 6M: -36.39%
• 1Y: -43.95%
• 3Y*: -16.94%
• 5Y*: -8.24%
• 10Y*: 5.50%

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

VPU vs. ACN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	4.93%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%
ACN Accenture plc	-35.62%	-22.14%	1.86%	33.60%	-34.75%	60.67%	26.04%	51.21%	-6.23%	33.34%

Correlation

The correlation between VPU and ACN is -0.07, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.07
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.09
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.33

The correlation between VPU and ACN shifts across timeframes, from -0.07 (1 year) to 0.33 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VPU vs. ACN — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 26
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

ACN

ACN Risk / Return Rank: 3
ACN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
ACN Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
ACN Omega Ratio Rank: 4
ACN Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ACN Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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.

VPU vs. ACN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Accenture plc (ACN). 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.

	VPU	ACN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	-1.26	+2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	-1.93	+3.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	0.77	+0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	-0.94	+2.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.91	-1.72	+4.63

VPU vs. ACN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPU Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is higher than the ACN Sharpe Ratio of -1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPU and ACN, 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

VPU vs. ACN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, smaller than the maximum ACN drawdown of -59.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and ACN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPU	ACN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.31%	-59.20%	+12.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-47.89%	+38.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	-58.67%	+41.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	-58.67%	+33.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.42%	-58.67%	+22.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.69%	-55.91%	+50.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-12.89%	+5.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.10%	26.93%	-22.83%

Volatility

VPU vs. ACN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is 5.55%, while Accenture plc (ACN) has a volatility of 12.95%. This indicates that VPU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ACN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VPU	ACN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.55%	12.95%	-7.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.52%	29.81%	-18.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.41%	36.02%	-21.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	28.60%	-11.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.13%	26.87%	-7.74%

Dividends

VPU vs. ACN - Dividend Comparison

VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.64%, less than ACN's 3.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACN Accenture plc	3.74%	2.26%	1.52%	1.33%	1.51%	0.87%	1.26%	1.07%	1.98%	1.66%	1.97%	2.03%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.64%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPU and ACN in my portfolio?

VPU and ACN have a correlation of -0.07, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPU or ACN?

ACN has higher volatility (12.95%) compared to VPU (5.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPU dropped -46.31% vs ACN's -59.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.83 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.