VTG vs. PDBC

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and PDBC (Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTG is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while PDBC is a Commodities fund actively managed by Invesco. VTG is passively managed, while PDBC is actively managed. Over the past year, VTG returned 3.10% vs 27.16% for PDBC. At a correlation of -0.36, they often move in opposite directions. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for PDBC.

Performance

VTG vs. PDBC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF (PDBC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a -0.15% return, which is significantly lower than PDBC's 24.08% return.

VTG

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: -0.29%
• YTD: -0.15%
• 1Y: 3.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PDBC

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -3.63%
• 6M: 21.24%
• YTD: 24.08%
• 1Y: 27.16%
• 3Y*: 9.96%
• 5Y*: 10.22%
• 10Y*: 7.69%

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

VTG vs. PDBC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.15%	3.07%
PDBC Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF	24.08%	3.33%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and PDBC is -0.36, 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	-0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	-0.36

Return for Risk

VTG vs. PDBC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTG

VTG Risk / Return Rank: 24
VTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
VTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
VTG Omega Ratio Rank: 23
VTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VTG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

PDBC

PDBC Risk / Return Rank: 51
PDBC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
PDBC Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PDBC Omega Ratio Rank: 53
PDBC Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
PDBC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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. PDBC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF (PDBC). 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.

	VTG	PDBC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	1.55	-0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	2.13	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.27	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.94	1.75	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.48	6.25	-3.76

VTG vs. PDBC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTG Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is lower than the PDBC Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTG and PDBC, 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

VTG vs. PDBC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, smaller than the maximum PDBC drawdown of -49.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and PDBC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	PDBC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-49.52%	+46.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.89%	-16.55%	+13.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.55%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.63%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.94%	-13.06%	+11.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.82%	-23.11%	+22.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	4.64%	-3.55%

Volatility

VTG vs. PDBC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) is 1.10%, while Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF (PDBC) has a volatility of 5.48%. This indicates that VTG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PDBC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTG	PDBC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.10%	5.48%	-4.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.64%	16.59%	-13.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	18.72%	-15.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.53%	19.19%	-15.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.53%	17.75%	-14.22%

VTG vs. PDBC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than PDBC's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTG vs. PDBC - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.54%, more than PDBC's 3.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
PDBC Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF	3.09%	3.84%	4.42%	4.21%	13.05%	50.83%	0.01%	1.40%	1.00%	3.83%	6.51%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.54%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and PDBC in my portfolio?

VTG and PDBC have a correlation of -0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTG or PDBC?

PDBC has higher volatility (5.48%) compared to VTG (1.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTG dropped -2.89% vs PDBC's -49.52%.

Which ETF is better, VTG or PDBC?

On 1-year performance, PDBC leads with 27.16% vs 3.10% for VTG. On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTG has been the lower-risk option at 1.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTG or PDBC?

Over the 1-year period, PDBC has performed better with a 27.16% return vs 3.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTG or PDBC?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for PDBC.

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

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.54%, compared with 3.09% for PDBC.

What is the main difference between VTG and PDBC?

VTG is categorized as Government Bonds, while PDBC is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.58% for PDBC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PDBC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 vs 0.77), 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.