VCIT vs VNQ
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Real Estate ETF
Quick Verdict
VCIT has a lower expense ratio. VNQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCIT offers more diversification with 2019 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCIT | VNQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $38.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.77% | 3.52% | |
| Holdings | 2,253 | 144 | |
| YTD Return | -0.37% | +13.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.11% | +14.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.17% | +10.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.77% | +2.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -75.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 23, 2004 |
VCIT vs VNQ Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCIT returned +2.11% while VNQ returned +14.03%. Year to date, VCIT is down 0.37% versus a gain of 13.55% for VNQ.
Over three years, VCIT compounded at +6.17% per year against +10.28% for VNQ; over five years the annualized figures are +0.77% and +2.27% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VNQ has the edge at +4.14% annualized vs +1.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -75.8% for VNQ. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCIT charges 0.03% per year while VNQ charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $13 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCIT currently yields 4.77% against 3.52% for VNQ.
Holdings Overlap
VCIT and VNQ share 0 holdings out of 2163 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 VNQ?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VNQ charges 0.13%. VCIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCIT or VNQ?
Over the past year VCIT returned +2.11% vs +14.03% for VNQ, so VNQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCIT annualized +1.75% vs +4.14% for VNQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCIT or VNQ?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 6.0% for VCIT. Worst drawdown: VCIT -20.7% vs VNQ -75.8%.
Should I hold both VCIT and VNQ?
VCIT and VNQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCIT and VNQ?
VCIT and VNQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2163 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCIT or VNQ?
VCIT yields 4.77% while VNQ yields 3.52%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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