VCIT vs VGIT
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, VCIT or VGIT?
VCIT has been ahead.
VCIT 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 | VCIT | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $69.8B | $50.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.89% | 3.90% |
| Holdings | 2,271 | 106 |
| YTD Return | -1.36%Best | -1.68% |
| 1Y Return | -0.55%Best | -0.98% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.89%Best | +3.67% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.59%Best | -0.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 4.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -17.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,299Best | $9,851 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | - |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | 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).
VCIT 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 covers the 16.8 years both funds cover.
VCIT vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCIT returned -0.55% while VGIT returned -0.98%. Year to date, VCIT is down 1.36% versus a loss of 1.68% for VGIT.
Over three years, VCIT compounded at +5.89% per year against +3.67% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +0.59% and -0.30% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VCIT has the edge at +1.68% annualized vs +0.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.9% 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 -20.7% for VCIT 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCIT charges 0.03% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCIT currently yields 4.89% against 3.90% for VGIT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VCIT 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, VCIT or VGIT?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, VCIT or VGIT?
Over the past year VCIT returned -0.55% vs -0.98% for VGIT, so VCIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCIT annualized +1.68% vs +0.68% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VCIT or VGIT?
VCIT has been the more volatile fund at 5.9% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VCIT -20.7% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both VCIT and VGIT?
VCIT and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, 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, VCIT or VGIT?
VCIT yields 4.89% while VGIT yields 3.90%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGIT better than VCIT?
VCIT 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.