What is Vanguard Materials ETF's average annual return?

Since 2005, Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) has returned about 9.1% a year (the compound annual growth rate) and an average calendar-year return of 10.5%.

What were Vanguard Materials ETF's best and worst years?

Over 2005–2026, the best year was 2009 (+51.4%) and the worst was 2008 (-46.6%).

How often is Vanguard Materials ETF up in a year?

16 of the 21 full years since 2005 were positive — about 76% of the time.

VAW

Vanguard Materials ETFETF · Sectors

$232.97−$1.86 (-0.79%)as of market close, Aug 6, 2026

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VAW returns by year

Vanguard Materials ETF has returned +9.1% annually (CAGR) since 2005. Calendar-year, monthly and weekly total returns for Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) below, through August 6, 2026 — the most recent year is year-to-date.

Annualized (CAGR)

+9.1%

2005–2026

Average year

+10.5%

21 full years

Best year

+51.4%

2009

Worst year

-46.6%

2008

Positive years

16/21

76% up

Vanguard Materials ETF returns by year (2005–2026)#

Calendar-year returns with each year's path and its dividend contribution (dividend return = total minus price return).

Vanguard Materials ETF annual returns by year
Year	Start price	End price	Dividend	Total return
2026YTD	$207.55	$232.97	+0.8%	+13.1%
2025	$187.84	$207.55	+1.8%	+12.3%
2024	$189.94	$187.84	+1.6%	+0.5%
2023	$170.20	$189.94	+2.1%	+13.7%
2022	$196.88	$170.20	+1.7%	-11.8%
2021	$156.97	$196.88	+2.0%	+27.4%
2020	$134.14	$156.97	+2.4%	+19.4%
2019	$110.83	$134.14	+2.5%	+23.5%
2018	$136.70	$110.83	+1.4%	-17.5%
2017	$112.44	$136.70	+2.2%	+23.7%
2016	$94.19	$112.44	+2.1%	+21.5%
2015	$107.39	$94.19	+2.1%	-10.2%
2014	$103.25	$107.39	+1.9%	+5.9%
2013	$84.21	$103.25	+2.3%	+24.9%
2012	$73.13	$84.21	+2.1%	+17.3%
2011	$82.60	$73.13	+1.9%	-9.6%
2010	$67.82	$82.60	+2.6%	+24.4%
2009	$45.40	$67.82	+2.0%	+51.4%
2008	$87.94	$45.40	+1.8%	-46.6%
2007	$70.51	$87.94	+1.8%	+26.5%
2006	$59.94	$70.51	+1.8%	+19.5%
2005	$58.89	$59.94	+1.6%	+3.4%

Total return by period

-40%-20%+0%+20%+40%

'05'07'09'11'13'15'17'19'21'23'25

Methodology#

Returns are total returns (dividends reinvested), computed from VAW's split- and dividend-adjusted closes. The bar chart switches between annual and monthly periods. Annualized return is the compound annual growth rate over the full period. The current year is year-to-date. See also the periodic table of returns. Past performance does not predict future returns; not investment advice.

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FAQ

What is Vanguard Materials ETF's average annual return?: Since 2005, Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) has returned about 9.1% a year (the compound annual growth rate) and an average calendar-year return of 10.5%.
What were Vanguard Materials ETF's best and worst years?: Over 2005–2026, the best year was 2009 (+51.4%) and the worst was 2008 (-46.6%).
How often is Vanguard Materials ETF up in a year?: 16 of the 21 full years since 2005 were positive — about 76% of the time.