AGG vs VGIT
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, AGG or VGIT?
Each has led over a different period.
AGG led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window, VGIT over 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGG | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $137.6B | $50.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.05% | 3.90% |
| Holdings | 13,269 | 106 |
| YTD Return | -1.36%Best | -1.88% |
| 1Y Return | -0.92%Best | -1.30% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.03%Best | +3.59% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.59% | -0.44%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 4.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -17.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,708 | $9,782Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2003 | Nov 19, 2009 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 14, 2026 (16.8 years).
AGG vs VGIT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.8 years both funds cover.
AGG vs VGIT Performance
iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AGG returned -0.92% while VGIT returned -1.30%. Year to date, AGG is down 1.36% versus a loss of 1.88% for VGIT.
Over three years, AGG compounded at +4.03% per year against +3.59% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.59% and -0.44% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, AGG has the edge at +2.30% annualized vs +0.67%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.4% compared with 4.3% for VGIT. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -18.4% for AGG and -17.2% for VGIT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGG charges 0.03% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, AGG currently yields 4.05% against 3.90% for VGIT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AGG and VGIT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGG or VGIT?
AGG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, AGG or VGIT?
Over the past year AGG returned -0.92% vs -1.30% for VGIT, so AGG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), AGG annualized +2.30% vs +0.67% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AGG or VGIT?
AGG has been the more volatile fund at 4.4% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: AGG -18.4% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both AGG and VGIT?
AGG and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGG or VGIT?
AGG yields 4.05% while VGIT yields 3.90%, so AGG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGIT better than AGG?
AGG led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window, VGIT over 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.