VSGX vs. IDOG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSGX (Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF) and IDOG (ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - VSGX tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Choice Index. while IDOG tracks the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSGX returned 7.81%/yr vs 13.36%/yr for IDOG. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSGX charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for IDOG.

Performance

VSGX vs. IDOG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) and ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSGX achieves a 15.83% return, which is significantly higher than IDOG's 14.02% return.

VSGX

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 6.54%
• YTD: 15.83%
• 6M: 18.55%
• 1Y: 33.27%
• 3Y*: 19.56%
• 5Y*: 7.81%
• 10Y*: —

IDOG

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: 3.24%
• YTD: 14.02%
• 6M: 16.64%
• 1Y: 35.52%
• 3Y*: 21.96%
• 5Y*: 13.36%
• 10Y*: 10.99%

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

VSGX vs. IDOG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	15.83%	30.77%	5.72%	15.62%	-18.61%	7.24%	13.01%	23.04%	-12.87%
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	14.02%	39.94%	1.35%	23.57%	-4.50%	11.33%	-1.78%	21.93%	-10.82%

Correlation

The correlation between VSGX and IDOG is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2018	0.85

The correlation between VSGX and IDOG shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.85 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VSGX vs. IDOG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSGX	IDOG
Financial Services	27.9%	11.0%
Technology	23.9%	8.5%
Industrials	9.8%	11.7%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	9.5%
Healthcare	9.4%	9.3%
Basic Materials	6.1%	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	9.4%
Communication Services	4.5%	9.9%
Real Estate	3.2%	-
Utilities	0.7%	10.0%
Energy	0.0%	10.7%

Return for Risk

VSGX vs. IDOG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSGX

VSGX Risk / Return Rank: 57
VSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

IDOG

IDOG Risk / Return Rank: 83
IDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
IDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
IDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 76
IDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
IDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

VSGX vs. IDOG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) and ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG). 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.

	VSGX	IDOG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.04	2.68	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	3.58	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.46	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	5.51	-2.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.13	19.31	-9.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VSGX vs. IDOG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSGX Sharpe Ratio is 2.04, which is comparable to the IDOG Sharpe Ratio of 2.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSGX and IDOG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VSGX	IDOG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.04	2.68	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.86	-0.38
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.51	-0.01

Drawdowns

VSGX vs. IDOG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSGX drawdown since its inception was -33.09%, smaller than the maximum IDOG drawdown of -37.32%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSGX and IDOG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSGX	IDOG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.09%	-37.32%	+4.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.84%	-6.47%	-6.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.83%	-13.92%	+0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.14%	-25.31%	-6.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-0.47%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-7.93%	+0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.29%	1.84%	+1.45%

Volatility

VSGX vs. IDOG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) has a higher volatility of 6.06% compared to ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) at 4.13%. This indicates that VSGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IDOG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSGX	IDOG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.06%	4.13%	+1.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.12%	10.09%	+4.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.38%	13.33%	+3.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	15.61%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	17.45%	+0.60%

VSGX vs. IDOG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSGX has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than IDOG's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSGX vs. IDOG - Dividend Comparison

VSGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, less than IDOG's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.42%	4.26%	4.90%	4.86%	4.46%	3.85%	3.00%	5.41%	4.50%	3.33%	4.01%	4.19%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	2.85%	3.23%	3.10%	2.77%	2.61%	2.49%	1.67%	2.28%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSGX and IDOG in my portfolio?

VSGX and IDOG have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSGX or IDOG?

VSGX has higher volatility (6.06%) compared to IDOG (4.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSGX dropped -33.09% vs IDOG's -37.32%.

Which ETF is better, VSGX or IDOG?

On 5-year performance, IDOG leads with 13.36% vs 7.81% for VSGX. On fees, VSGX is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, IDOG has been the lower-risk option at 4.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSGX or IDOG?

Over the 5-year period, IDOG has performed better with a 13.36% return vs 7.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSGX or IDOG?

VSGX is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for IDOG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSGX or IDOG?

IDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.42%, compared with 2.85% for VSGX.

What is the main difference between VSGX and IDOG?

VSGX tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Choice Index., while IDOG tracks S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VSGX and 0.50% for IDOG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs 2.04), 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.