VT vs. T

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) is Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index, while T (AT&T Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VT returned 12.61%/yr vs 2.86%/yr for T. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VT vs. T - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and AT&T Inc. (T). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VT achieves a 9.77% return, which is significantly higher than T's -7.40% return. Over the past 10 years, VT has outperformed T with an annualized return of 12.61%, while T has yielded a comparatively lower 2.86% annualized return.

VT

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: -0.45%
• YTD: 9.77%
• 6M: 10.59%
• 1Y: 25.47%
• 3Y*: 19.82%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: 12.61%

T

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -10.57%
• YTD: -7.40%
• 6M: -7.40%
• 1Y: -16.38%
• 3Y*: 18.39%
• 5Y*: 6.60%
• 10Y*: 2.86%

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

VT vs. T - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	9.77%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%
T AT&T Inc.	-7.40%	13.97%	44.08%	-2.74%	5.76%	-8.09%	-21.37%	45.55%	-22.25%	-4.01%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and T is -0.11, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.05
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2008	0.44

The correlation between VT and T shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (1 year) to 0.44 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VT vs. T — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 65
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 69

T

T Risk / Return Rank: 11
T Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
T Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
T Omega Ratio Rank: 13
T Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
T Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

VT vs. T - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and AT&T Inc. (T). 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.

	VT	T	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	-0.75	+2.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	-0.98	+3.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	0.89	+0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	-0.75	+3.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.68	-1.59	+13.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VT vs. T - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the T Sharpe Ratio of -0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT and T, 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

	VT	T	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96	-0.75	+2.71
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.28	+0.38
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73	0.12	+0.61
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.38	+0.05

Drawdowns

VT vs. T - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, smaller than the maximum T drawdown of -64.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and T.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	T	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-64.15%	+13.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-21.87%	+12.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-21.87%	+5.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	-32.01%	+5.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	-42.35%	+8.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.06%	-21.87%	+18.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.02%	-15.72%	+8.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	10.34%	-8.15%

Volatility

VT vs. T - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is 4.55%, while AT&T Inc. (T) has a volatility of 7.50%. This indicates that VT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than T based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VT	T	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.55%	7.50%	-2.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.67%	17.57%	-6.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.10%	21.98%	-8.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.10%	23.97%	-7.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.26%	23.71%	-6.45%

Dividends

VT vs. T - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.63%, less than T's 4.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
T AT&T Inc.	4.93%	4.47%	4.87%	6.62%	6.66%	8.46%	7.23%	5.22%	7.01%	5.04%	4.51%	5.46%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.63%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VT and T in my portfolio?

VT and T have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VT or T?

T has higher volatility (7.50%) compared to VT (4.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs T's -64.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs -0.75), 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.