VTG vs. DBC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and DBC (Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VTG is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while DBC is a Commodities fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.37, they often move in opposite directions. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for DBC.

Performance

VTG vs. DBC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a -0.11% return, which is significantly lower than DBC's 35.47% return.

VTG

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: -0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBC

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: -3.32%
• YTD: 35.47%
• 6M: 35.36%
• 1Y: 45.90%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: 12.78%
• 10Y*: 9.10%

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

VTG vs. DBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.11%	2.88%
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	35.47%	3.69%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and DBC is -0.37, 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	-0.37

Return for Risk

VTG vs. DBC — Risk / Return Rank

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

DBC

DBC Risk / Return Rank: 75
DBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DBC Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DBC Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

VTG vs. DBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VTG	DBC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.67	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	0.12	+0.76

Drawdowns

VTG vs. DBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, smaller than the maximum DBC drawdown of -76.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and DBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	DBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-76.36%	+73.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-7.05%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.82%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.34%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-21.64%	+19.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.73%	-46.22%	+45.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.31%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	DBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.45%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	15.75%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51%	18.68%	-15.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	19.18%	-15.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	17.81%	-14.30%

VTG vs. DBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than DBC's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTG vs. DBC - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.21%, more than DBC's 2.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBC Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund	2.46%	3.33%	5.22%	4.94%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	1.59%	1.30%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.21%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and DBC in my portfolio?

VTG and DBC have a correlation of -0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VTG or DBC?

On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTG or DBC?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DBC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTG or DBC?

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.21%, compared with 2.46% for DBC.

What is the main difference between VTG and DBC?

VTG is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while DBC is Commodities. VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while DBC tracks DBIQ Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Index Excess Return. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.85% for DBC.