VBK vs VGIT
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, VBK or VGIT?
VBK has been ahead.
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VBK 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 | VBK | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $23.2B | $50.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 3.90% |
| Holdings | 553 | 106 |
| YTD Return | +10.60%Best | -1.68% |
| 1Y Return | +13.31%Best | -0.98% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.92%Best | +3.67% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.67%Best | -0.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 4.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -17.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,975Best | $9,851 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Style | Small Cap Growth | - |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Nov 19, 2009 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 17, 2026 (16.8 years).
VBK vs VGIT 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 is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
VBK vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBK returned +13.31% while VGIT returned -0.98%. Year to date, VBK is up 10.60% versus a loss of 1.68% for VGIT.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +15.92% per year against +3.67% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +3.67% and -0.30% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +11.43% annualized vs +0.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -38.8% for VBK and -17.2% for VGIT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.04. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK charges 0.05% per year while VGIT 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, VBK currently yields 0.44% against 3.90% for VGIT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VBK and VGIT 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, VBK or VGIT?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VGIT charges 0.03%. VGIT is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VBK or VGIT?
Over the past year VBK returned +13.31% vs -0.98% for VGIT, so VBK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VBK annualized +11.43% vs +0.68% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VBK or VGIT?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VBK -38.8% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both VBK and VGIT?
VBK and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, 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, VBK or VGIT?
VBK yields 0.44% while VGIT yields 3.90%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGIT better than VBK?
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VBK 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.