EDV vs TLT
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
Which is better, EDV or TLT?
Nearly the same fund. EDV costs less.
EDV has a lower expense ratio. TLT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98.
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 | EDV | TLT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.15% |
| AUM | $3.8B | $46.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 4.73% |
| Holdings | 83 | 48 |
| YTD Return | -6.65% | -4.22%Best |
| 1Y Return | -10.79% | -6.38%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.49% | -0.49%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.09% | -8.17%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 14.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -48.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $4,958 | $6,530Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Long Term Government Bond | Long Term Government Bond |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Jul 22, 2002 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 13, 2007 to Sep 11, 2026 (18.7 years).
EDV vs TLT 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 18.7 years both funds cover.
EDV vs TLT Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EDV returned -10.79% while TLT returned -6.38%. Year to date, EDV is down 6.65% versus a loss of 4.22% for TLT.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.49% per year against -0.49% for TLT; over five years the annualized figures are -13.09% and -8.17% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, TLT has the edge at +0.43% annualized vs -1.53%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% compared with 14.1% for TLT. 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 -62.0% for EDV and -48.7% for TLT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while TLT charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $15 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 5.42% against 4.73% for TLT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EDV and TLT 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, EDV or TLT?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while TLT charges 0.15%. EDV is the cheaper option, by $10 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EDV or TLT?
Over the past year EDV returned -10.79% vs -6.38% for TLT, so TLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.53% vs +0.43% for TLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EDV or TLT?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 14.1% for TLT. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs TLT -48.7%.
Should I hold both EDV and TLT?
EDV and TLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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, EDV or TLT?
EDV yields 5.42% while TLT yields 4.73%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is TLT better than EDV?
EDV has a lower expense ratio. TLT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.98. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.