VCIT vs VEU
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF
Quick Verdict
VCIT has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 2818 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCIT | VEU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $67.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.77% | 2.54% | |
| Holdings | 2,253 | 3,921 | |
| YTD Return | -0.81% | +14.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.13% | +27.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.03% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.76% | +9.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 17.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -62.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Mar 2, 2007 |
VCIT vs VEU Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCIT returned +2.13% while VEU returned +27.97%. Year to date, VCIT is down 0.81% versus a gain of 14.40% for VEU.
Over three years, VCIT compounded at +6.03% per year against +19.79% for VEU; over five years the annualized figures are +0.76% and +9.31% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VEU has the edge at +3.55% annualized vs +1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -62.8% for VEU. 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 VEU charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCIT currently yields 4.77% against 2.54% for VEU.
Holdings Overlap
VCIT and VEU share 0 holdings out of 4837 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 VEU?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VEU charges 0.04%. VCIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCIT or VEU?
Over the past year VCIT returned +2.13% vs +27.97% for VEU, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCIT annualized +1.72% vs +3.55% for VEU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCIT or VEU?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 6.0% for VCIT. Worst drawdown: VCIT -20.7% vs VEU -62.8%.
Should I hold both VCIT and VEU?
VCIT and VEU 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 VEU?
VCIT and VEU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4837 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCIT or VEU?
VCIT yields 4.77% while VEU yields 2.54%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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