VPU vs. GABUX
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Gabelli Utilities Fund (GABUX).
VPU is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2004. GABUX is managed by Gabelli. It was launched on Aug 30, 1999.
Performance
VPU vs. GABUX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
VPU vs. GABUX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 8.24% | 16.46% | 23.04% | -7.45% | 1.06% | 17.40% | -0.74% | 24.89% | 4.38% | 12.44% |
GABUX Gabelli Utilities Fund | 8.26% | 16.86% | 14.38% | -6.59% | -5.40% | 17.44% | -3.45% | 18.37% | -2.83% | 8.24% |
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VPU having a 8.24% return and GABUX slightly higher at 8.26%. Over the past 10 years, VPU has outperformed GABUX with an annualized return of 9.67%, while GABUX has yielded a comparatively lower 6.60% annualized return.
VPU
- 1D
- 0.42%
- 1M
- -2.05%
- YTD
- 8.24%
- 6M
- 5.69%
- 1Y
- 19.37%
- 3Y*
- 13.96%
- 5Y*
- 10.58%
- 10Y*
- 9.67%
GABUX
- 1D
- 0.20%
- 1M
- -3.77%
- YTD
- 8.26%
- 6M
- 7.25%
- 1Y
- 16.66%
- 3Y*
- 10.89%
- 5Y*
- 7.00%
- 10Y*
- 6.60%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
VPU vs. GABUX - Expense Ratio Comparison
VPU has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than GABUX's 1.39% expense ratio.
Return for Risk
VPU vs. GABUX — Risk / Return Rank
VPU
GABUX
VPU vs. GABUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Gabelli Utilities Fund (GABUX). 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.
| VPU | GABUX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.25 | 1.27 | -0.02 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.71 | 1.61 | +0.09 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.26 | -0.03 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.22 | 2.08 | +0.14 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.27 | 8.94 | -3.67 |
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 graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VPU | GABUX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.25 | 1.27 | -0.02 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.63 | 0.48 | +0.15 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.51 | 0.41 | +0.10 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.55 | 0.25 | +0.30 |
Correlation
The correlation between VPU and GABUX is 0.88, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
VPU vs. GABUX - Dividend Comparison
VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.56%, less than GABUX's 15.77% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 2.56% | 2.73% | 3.02% | 3.49% | 2.98% | 2.70% | 3.17% | 2.83% | 3.23% | 3.18% | 3.19% | 3.63% |
GABUX Gabelli Utilities Fund | 15.77% | 18.27% | 22.50% | 16.89% | 13.44% | 11.03% | 11.58% | 9.31% | 9.50% | 8.45% | 9.49% | 9.66% |
Drawdowns
VPU vs. GABUX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, smaller than the maximum GABUX drawdown of -48.88%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and GABUX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| VPU | GABUX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -46.31% | -48.88% | +2.57% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.90% | -8.56% | -0.34% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.15% | -23.98% | -1.17% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.42% | -33.64% | -2.78% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.71% | -4.14% | +1.43% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.82% | -12.21% | +4.39% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.74% | 1.99% | +1.75% |
Volatility
VPU vs. GABUX - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a higher volatility of 4.99% compared to Gabelli Utilities Fund (GABUX) at 3.84%. This indicates that VPU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GABUX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| VPU | GABUX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.99% | 3.84% | +1.15% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.18% | 7.36% | +2.82% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.51% | 13.55% | +1.96% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.91% | 14.62% | +2.29% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.07% | 16.25% | +2.82% |