EDV vs VGSH
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, EDV or VGSH?
Long Term Government Bond against Short Term Government Bond.
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VGSH led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | VGSH |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $3.8B | $34.7B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 3.82% |
| Holdings | 83 | 94 |
| YTD Return | -5.68% | +0.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | -8.12% | +1.65%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.49% | +4.11%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.17% | +1.82%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 1.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -6.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $4,936 | $10,944Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Long Term Government Bond | Short Term Government Bond |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 18, 2026 (16.8 years).
EDV vs VGSH 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.
EDV vs VGSH Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -8.12% while VGSH returned +1.65%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.68% versus a gain of 0.48% for VGSH.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -3.49% per year against +4.11% for VGSH; over five years the annualized figures are -13.17% and +1.82% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VGSH has the edge at +0.69% annualized vs -1.85%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% compared with 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.53. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while VGSH charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 5.42% against 3.82% for VGSH.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EDV and VGSH 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 VGSH?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGSH charges 0.03%. VGSH is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EDV or VGSH?
Over the past year EDV returned -8.12% vs +1.65% for VGSH, so VGSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EDV annualized -1.85% vs +0.69% for VGSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EDV or VGSH?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs VGSH -6.7%.
Should I hold both EDV and VGSH?
EDV and VGSH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VGSH?
EDV yields 5.42% while VGSH yields 3.82%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGSH better than EDV?
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VGSH led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.