VPU vs. BILT
VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and BILT (iShares Infrastructure Active ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. VPU is passively managed, while BILT is actively managed. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VPU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for BILT.
Performance
VPU vs. BILT - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 7.60% return, which is significantly lower than BILT's 16.00% return.
VPU
- 1D
- 0.44%
- 1M
- 1.39%
- 6M
- 4.95%
- YTD
- 7.60%
- 1Y
- 13.88%
- 3Y*
- 14.48%
- 5Y*
- 9.59%
- 10Y*
- 8.97%
BILT
- 1D
- 0.56%
- 1M
- 1.49%
- 6M
- 14.34%
- YTD
- 16.00%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
VPU vs. BILT - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 7.60% | 1.92% |
BILT iShares Infrastructure Active ETF | 16.00% | 4.16% |
Correlation
The correlation between VPU and BILT is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2025 | 0.74 |
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Return for Risk
VPU vs. BILT — Risk / Return Rank
VPU
BILT
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
VPU vs. BILT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and iShares Infrastructure Active ETF (BILT). 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 | BILT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.17 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.57 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 3.27 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
VPU vs. BILT - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than BILT's maximum drawdown of -5.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and BILT.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VPU | BILT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -46.31% | -5.38% | -40.93% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.90% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -17.34% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.15% | — | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.42% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.29% | -0.07% | -3.22% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.77% | -1.38% | -6.39% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 4.25% | — | — |
Volatility
VPU vs. BILT - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| VPU | BILT | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.31% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 11.60% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 14.63% | 10.31% | +4.32% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.06% | 10.31% | +6.75% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.14% | 10.31% | +8.83% |
VPU vs. BILT - Expense Ratio Comparison
VPU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than BILT's 0.60% expense ratio.
Dividends
VPU vs. BILT - Dividend Comparison
VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, less than BILT's 5.62% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BILT iShares Infrastructure Active ETF | 5.62% | 0.99% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 2.63% | 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
VPU and BILT have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for BILT.
BILT has the higher dividend yield at 5.62%, compared with 2.63% for VPU.
They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VPU and 0.60% for BILT.
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