LGOV vs VTI
First Trust Long Duration Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, LGOV or VTI?
Long Term Government Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI 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 | LGOV | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $626M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 381 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -3.95% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | -3.98% | +17.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.74% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.02% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9%Best | 16.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.0%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $8,578 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Government Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 23, 2019 to Sep 11, 2026 (7.6 years).
LGOV vs VTI 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 7.6 years both funds cover.
LGOV vs VTI Performance
First Trust Long Duration Opportunities ETF (LGOV) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LGOV returned -3.98% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, LGOV is down 3.95% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, LGOV compounded at +2.74% per year against +20.87% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.02% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +15.53% annualized vs -0.30%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 8.9% for LGOV. 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 -33.0% for LGOV and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGOV charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGOV currently yields 4.44% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 109 holdings in LGOV and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 89.2% and 90.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 109 positions we hold weights for in LGOV and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 381 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LGOV and VTI 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, LGOV or VTI?
LGOV has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $46 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, LGOV or VTI?
Over the past year LGOV returned -3.98% vs +17.22% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), LGOV annualized -0.30% vs +15.53% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LGOV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 8.9% for LGOV. Worst drawdown: LGOV -33.0% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both LGOV and VTI?
LGOV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, 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, LGOV or VTI?
LGOV yields 4.44% while VTI yields 1.03%, so LGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than LGOV?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI 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.