VSS vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VSS returned 8.49%/yr vs 9.06%/yr for VPU. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

VSS vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSS achieves a 10.04% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 4.93% return. Over the past 10 years, VSS has underperformed VPU with an annualized return of 8.49%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.06% annualized return.

VSS

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -2.16%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 12.05%
• 1Y: 24.95%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 5.58%
• 10Y*: 8.49%

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%

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

VSS vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.04%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-21.48%	13.05%	11.81%	21.36%	-18.48%	30.61%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	4.93%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between VSS and VPU is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2009	0.41

The correlation between VSS and VPU shifts across timeframes, from 0.27 (1 year) to 0.41 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VSS vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSS	VPU
Industrials	19.9%	0.2%
Basic Materials	16.0%	-
Financial Services	14.2%	-
Technology	13.9%	-
Energy	8.4%	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	-
Real Estate	7.2%	-
Healthcare	4.3%	-
Utilities	3.6%	99.3%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

VSS vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 49
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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

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.

VSS vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	VSS	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	0.83	+0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	1.20	+0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.15	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	1.34	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.61	2.91	+4.71

VSS vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSS Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSS and VPU, 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

VSS vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSS drawdown since its inception was -43.51%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSS and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSS	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.51%	-46.31%	+2.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.62%	-8.90%	-2.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.73%	-17.34%	+1.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.93%	-25.15%	-8.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.51%	-36.42%	-7.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.05%	-5.69%	+2.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.63%	-7.78%	-1.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	4.10%	-1.01%

Volatility

VSS vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) has a higher volatility of 6.52% compared to Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) at 5.55%. This indicates that VSS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSS	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.52%	5.55%	+0.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	11.52%	+2.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.60%	14.41%	+1.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.59%	17.07%	-0.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.30%	19.13%	-1.83%

VSS vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VPU's 0.09% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VSS vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

VSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, more than VPU's 2.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.08%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSS and VPU in my portfolio?

VSS and VPU have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSS or VPU?

VSS has higher volatility (6.52%) compared to VPU (5.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSS dropped -43.51% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, VSS or VPU?

On 10-year performance, VPU leads with 9.06% vs 8.49% for VSS. On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSS or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, VPU has performed better with a 9.06% return vs 8.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSS or VPU?

VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VPU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSS or VPU?

VSS has the higher dividend yield at 3.08%, compared with 2.64% for VPU.

What is the main difference between VSS and VPU?

VSS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. VSS tracks FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VSS and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.51 vs 0.83), 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.