VB vs VGIT
VB vs VGIT
Vanguard Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VB offers more diversification with 1112 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VB | VGIT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $81.5B | $42.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 3.84% | |
| Holdings | 1,324 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | +17.82% | -0.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +1.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +3.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | -0.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.0% | -17.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Nov 19, 2009 |
VB vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (VB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VB returned +29.09% while VGIT returned +1.32%. Year to date, VB is up 17.82% versus a loss of 0.62% for VGIT.
Over three years, VB compounded at +16.24% per year against +3.60% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and -0.12% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VB has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +0.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 4.3% for VGIT. 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 -61.0% for VB and -17.2% for VGIT. 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 -0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VB charges 0.03% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VB currently yields 1.48% against 3.84% for VGIT.
Holdings Overlap
VB and VGIT share 0 holdings out of 1196 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, VB or VGIT?
VB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VB or VGIT?
Over the past year VB returned +29.09% vs +1.32% for VGIT, so VB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VB annualized +8.86% vs +0.75% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VB or VGIT?
VB has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VB -61.0% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both VB and VGIT?
VB and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of -0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VB and VGIT?
VB and VGIT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1196 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VB or VGIT?
VB yields 1.48% while VGIT yields 3.84%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.