Quick Verdict

VO has a lower expense ratio. VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VO offers more diversification with 279 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOHigher Returns: VOMore Diversified: VO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEDVVOWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.03%
AUM$3.5B$105.9B
Dividend Yield4.83%1.53%
Holdings83293
YTD Return-4.55%+13.82%
1Y Return-4.35%+18.00%
3Y Return (annualized)-4.75%+15.98%
5Y Return (annualized)-12.33%+8.06%
Volatility (annualized)21.8%16.9%
Max Drawdown-62.0%-60.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 6, 2007Jan 26, 2004

EDV vs VO Performance

Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -4.35% while VO returned +18.00%. Year to date, EDV is down 4.55% versus a gain of 13.82% for VO.

Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.75% per year against +15.98% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are -12.33% and +8.06% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.21% 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 16.9% for VO. 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 -60.3% for VO. 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EDV charges 0.05% per year while VO 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 1.53% for VO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EDV and VO share 0 holdings out of 355 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 VO?

EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VO charges 0.03%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EDV or VO?

Over the past year EDV returned -4.35% vs +18.00% for VO, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.42% vs +9.21% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EDV or VO?

EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 16.9% for VO. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs VO -60.3%.

Should I hold both EDV and VO?

EDV and VO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EDV and VO?

EDV and VO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 355 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VO?

EDV yields 4.83% while VO yields 1.53%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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