CGDG vs VTI
Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGDG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.75% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.21% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.13% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Capital Group (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
CGDG vs VTI Performance
Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGDG returned +17.21% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, CGDG is up 9.75% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, CGDG compounded at +19.13% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, CGDG has the edge at +19.13% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.7% for CGDG. 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 -10.5% for CGDG and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGDG charges 0.47% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGDG currently yields 2.24% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CGDG and VTI share 44 holdings out of 2846 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGDG or VTI?
CGDG has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGDG or VTI?
Over the past year CGDG returned +17.21% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CGDG annualized +19.13% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGDG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.7% for CGDG. Worst drawdown: CGDG -10.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CGDG and VTI?
CGDG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGDG and VTI?
CGDG and VTI share 44 common holdings with a 14.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2846 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGDG or VTI?
CGDG yields 2.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CGDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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