EDV vs VGSH
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VGSH delivered stronger 1-year returns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | VGSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $29.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.83% | 3.87% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 94 | |
| YTD Return | -5.78% | +0.60% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.10% | +2.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.63% | +4.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.45% | +1.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 1.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -6.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
EDV vs VGSH Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -5.10% while VGSH returned +2.51%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.78% versus a gain of 0.60% for VGSH.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.63% per year against +4.18% for VGSH; over five years the annualized figures are -12.45% and +1.86% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VGSH has the edge at +0.70% annualized vs -1.49%. 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 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 4.83% against 3.87% for VGSH.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and VGSH share 0 holdings out of 152 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 VGSH?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGSH charges 0.03%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDV or VGSH?
Over the past year EDV returned -5.10% vs +2.51% for VGSH, so VGSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EDV annualized -1.49% vs +0.70% for VGSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or VGSH?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and VGSH?
EDV and VGSH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VGSH?
EDV yields 4.83% while VGSH yields 3.87%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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