VCIT vs VEA
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3008 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCIT | VEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $230.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.77% | 2.57% | |
| Holdings | 2,253 | 3,918 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +16.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +29.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.82% | +20.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +10.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 17.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -62.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jul 20, 2007 |
VCIT vs VEA Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCIT returned +2.34% while VEA returned +29.87%. Year to date, VCIT is down 0.43% versus a gain of 16.14% for VEA.
Over three years, VCIT compounded at +5.82% per year against +20.12% for VEA; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +10.27% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +3.14% annualized vs +1.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 6.0% for VCIT. 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 -20.7% for VCIT and -62.9% for VEA. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCIT charges 0.03% per year while VEA charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCIT currently yields 4.77% against 2.57% for VEA.
Holdings Overlap
VCIT and VEA share 0 holdings out of 5027 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, VCIT or VEA?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VEA charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCIT or VEA?
Over the past year VCIT returned +2.34% vs +29.87% for VEA, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCIT annualized +1.75% vs +3.14% for VEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCIT or VEA?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 6.0% for VCIT. Worst drawdown: VCIT -20.7% vs VEA -62.9%.
Should I hold both VCIT and VEA?
VCIT and VEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCIT and VEA?
VCIT and VEA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5027 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCIT or VEA?
VCIT yields 4.77% while VEA yields 2.57%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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