Quick Verdict

EDV has a lower expense ratio. VMLUX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VMLUX offers more diversification with 915 holdings.

Lower Fees: EDVHigher Returns: VMLUXMore Diversified: VMLUX

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEDVVMLUXWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.09%
AUM$3.5B$34.1B
Dividend Yield4.83%2.89%
Holdings837,110
YTD Return-4.55%-0.64%
1Y Return-4.35%-0.36%
3Y Return (annualized)-4.75%+0.81%
5Y Return (annualized)-12.33%-0.58%
Volatility (annualized)21.8%2.8%
Max Drawdown-62.0%-8.5%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeTax Preferred
InceptionDec 6, 2007Feb 12, 2001

EDV vs VMLUX Performance

Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Limited Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VMLUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -4.35% while VMLUX returned -0.36%. Year to date, EDV is down 4.55% versus a loss of 0.64% for VMLUX.

Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.75% per year against +0.81% for VMLUX; over five years the annualized figures are -12.33% and -0.58% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VMLUX has the edge at -0.58% annualized vs -1.42%. 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 2.8% for VMLUX. 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 -8.5% for VMLUX. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EDV charges 0.05% per year while VMLUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 4.83% against 2.89% for VMLUX.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EDV and VMLUX share 0 holdings out of 991 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 VMLUX?

EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VMLUX charges 0.09%. EDV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EDV or VMLUX?

Over the past year EDV returned -4.35% vs -0.36% for VMLUX, so VMLUX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), EDV annualized -1.42% vs -0.58% for VMLUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EDV or VMLUX?

EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 2.8% for VMLUX. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs VMLUX -8.5%.

Should I hold both EDV and VMLUX?

EDV and VMLUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EDV and VMLUX?

EDV and VMLUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 991 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VMLUX?

EDV yields 4.83% while VMLUX yields 2.89%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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