SGOV vs VBIL
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF vs Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF
Quick Verdict
VBIL has a lower expense ratio. VBIL delivered stronger 1-year returns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGOV | VBIL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $99.7B | $9.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 3.65% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 28 | |
| YTD Return | +1.88% | +1.88% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.52% | +3.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.62% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 0.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -0.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 26, 2020 | Feb 7, 2025 |
SGOV vs VBIL Performance
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGOV returned +3.52% while VBIL returned +3.53%. Year to date, SGOV is up 1.88% versus a gain of 1.88% for VBIL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGOV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 0.7% compared with 0.7% for VBIL. 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 -0.3% for SGOV and -0.3% for VBIL. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGOV charges 0.09% per year while VBIL charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGOV currently yields 3.85% against 3.65% for VBIL.
Holdings Overlap
SGOV and VBIL share 1 holdings out of 3 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SGOV | Weight in VBIL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| B 0 08/06/26 | 4.61% | 6.12% | 1.51% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGOV or VBIL?
SGOV has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VBIL charges 0.06%. VBIL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGOV or VBIL?
Over the past year SGOV returned +3.52% vs +3.53% for VBIL, so VBIL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SGOV annualized +2.91% vs +4.60% for VBIL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGOV or VBIL?
SGOV has been the more volatile fund at 0.7% annualized versus 0.7% for VBIL. Worst drawdown: SGOV -0.3% vs VBIL -0.3%.
Should I hold both SGOV and VBIL?
SGOV and VBIL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGOV and VBIL?
SGOV and VBIL share 1 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGOV or VBIL?
SGOV yields 3.85% while VBIL yields 3.65%, so SGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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