VPU returns by year
Vanguard Utilities ETF has returned +9.6% annually (CAGR) since 2005. Calendar-year, monthly and weekly total returns for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) below, through August 6, 2026 — the most recent year is year-to-date.
Vanguard Utilities ETF returns by year (2005–2026)#
Calendar-year returns with each year's path and its dividend contribution (dividend return = total minus price return).
| Year | Start price | End price | Path | Dividend | Total return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026YTD | $185.04 | $187.64 | +1.3% | +2.7% | |
| 2025 | $163.42 | $185.04 | +3.2% | +16.4% | |
| 2024 | $137.07 | $163.42 | +3.8% | +23.0% | |
| 2023 | $153.36 | $137.07 | +3.1% | -7.5% | |
| 2022 | $156.40 | $153.36 | +3.0% | +1.0% | |
| 2021 | $137.22 | $156.40 | +3.4% | +17.4% | |
| 2020 | $142.89 | $137.22 | +3.2% | -0.8% | |
| 2019 | $117.83 | $142.89 | +3.6% | +24.9% | |
| 2018 | $116.59 | $117.83 | +3.3% | +4.4% | |
| 2017 | $107.01 | $116.59 | +3.5% | +12.4% | |
| 2016 | $93.93 | $107.01 | +3.6% | +17.6% | |
| 2015 | $102.35 | $93.93 | +3.4% | -4.8% |
Total return by period
Methodology#
Returns are total returns (dividends reinvested), computed from VPU'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.
See also: S&P 500 · Nasdaq-100 · Dow Jones · Russell 2000 · US Bond Market · Gold · Silver · Bitcoin · Ethereum
FAQ
- What is Vanguard Utilities ETF's average annual return?
- Since 2005, Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has returned about 9.6% a year (the compound annual growth rate) and an average calendar-year return of 10.0%.
- What were Vanguard Utilities ETF's best and worst years?
- Over 2005–2026, the best year was 2014 (+27.0%) and the worst was 2008 (-28.0%).
- How often is Vanguard Utilities ETF up in a year?
- 17 of the 21 full years since 2005 were positive — about 81% of the time.