VCIT vs VTEB
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VTEB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEB offers more diversification with 3533 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCIT | VTEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $46.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.77% | 3.34% | |
| Holdings | 2,253 | 9,952 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +0.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +5.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.82% | +3.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +0.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 4.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -17.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Aug 21, 2015 |
VCIT vs VTEB Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCIT returned +2.34% while VTEB returned +5.15%. Year to date, VCIT is down 0.43% versus a gain of 0.57% for VTEB.
Over three years, VCIT compounded at +5.82% per year against +3.20% for VTEB; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +0.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VCIT has the edge at +1.75% annualized vs +1.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.0% compared with 4.9% for VTEB. 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 -17.0% for VTEB. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCIT charges 0.03% per year while VTEB charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCIT currently yields 4.77% against 3.34% for VTEB.
Holdings Overlap
VCIT and VTEB share 0 holdings out of 5552 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 VTEB?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTEB charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCIT or VTEB?
Over the past year VCIT returned +2.34% vs +5.15% for VTEB, so VTEB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VCIT annualized +1.75% vs +1.27% for VTEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCIT or VTEB?
VCIT has been the more volatile fund at 6.0% annualized versus 4.9% for VTEB. Worst drawdown: VCIT -20.7% vs VTEB -17.0%.
Should I hold both VCIT and VTEB?
VCIT and VTEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCIT and VTEB?
VCIT and VTEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCIT or VTEB?
VCIT yields 4.77% while VTEB yields 3.34%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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