Quick Verdict

VUG has a lower expense ratio. VUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VUG offers more diversification with 146 holdings.

Lower Fees: VUGHigher Returns: VUGMore Diversified: VUG

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEDVVUGWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.03%
AUM$3.5B$223.2B
Dividend Yield4.83%0.47%
Holdings83155
YTD Return-4.55%+10.57%
1Y Return-4.35%+18.21%
3Y Return (annualized)-4.75%+24.26%
5Y Return (annualized)-12.33%+13.05%
Volatility (annualized)21.8%16.5%
Max Drawdown-62.0%-51.4%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 6, 2007Jan 26, 2004

EDV vs VUG Performance

Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -4.35% while VUG returned +18.21%. Year to date, EDV is down 4.55% versus a gain of 10.57% for VUG.

Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.75% per year against +24.26% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are -12.33% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.30% 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 16.5% for VUG. 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EDV charges 0.05% per year while VUG 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 0.47% for VUG.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EDV and VUG share 0 holdings out of 222 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 VUG?

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

Which performed better, EDV or VUG?

Over the past year EDV returned -4.35% vs +18.21% for VUG, so VUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.42% vs +11.30% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EDV or VUG?

EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs VUG -51.4%.

Should I hold both EDV and VUG?

EDV and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EDV and VUG?

EDV and VUG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 222 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VUG?

EDV yields 4.83% while VUG yields 0.47%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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