EDV vs VGK
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
EDV has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 1,251 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 2.82% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 1,251 | |
| YTD Return | -4.05% | +10.77% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.50% | +20.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.48% | +18.04% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.62% | +9.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Mar 4, 2005 |
EDV vs VGK Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -2.50% while VGK returned +20.23%. Year to date, EDV is down 4.05% versus a gain of 10.77% for VGK.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.48% per year against +18.04% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are -12.62% and +9.20% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VGK has the edge at +3.67% annualized vs -1.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 18.5% for VGK. 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 -67.3% for VGK. 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 -0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $6 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 5.42% against 2.82% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and VGK share 0 holdings out of 1253 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EDV or VGK?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGK charges 0.06%. EDV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDV or VGK?
Over the past year EDV returned -2.50% vs +20.23% for VGK, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.39% vs +3.67% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or VGK?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 18.5% for VGK. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both EDV and VGK?
EDV and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of -0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and VGK?
EDV and VGK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1253 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VGK?
EDV yields 5.42% while VGK yields 2.82%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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