MGOV vs VTI
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, MGOV or VTI?
VTI has been ahead.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | MGOV | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $101M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.88% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 206 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -1.04% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.59% | +17.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.43% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.86% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4%Best | 13.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1%Best | -19.3% |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $11,337 | $17,462Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 3, 2023 to Sep 11, 2026 (3.1 years).
MGOV 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
MGOV vs VTI Performance
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) 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 MGOV returned -0.59% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, MGOV is down 1.04% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, MGOV compounded at +4.43% per year against +20.87% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.2% compared with 6.4% for MGOV. 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 -6.1% for MGOV and -19.3% 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 0.54. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGOV 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, MGOV currently yields 4.88% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 74 holdings in MGOV and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 48.1% 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 74 positions we hold weights for in MGOV and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 206 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MGOV 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, MGOV or VTI?
MGOV 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, MGOV or VTI?
Over the past year MGOV returned -0.59% vs +17.22% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MGOV or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 13.2% annualized versus 6.4% for MGOV. Worst drawdown: MGOV -6.1% vs VTI -19.3%.
Should I hold both MGOV and VTI?
MGOV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, 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, MGOV or VTI?
MGOV yields 4.88% while VTI yields 1.03%, so MGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than MGOV?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.