VCIT vs VWO
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VCIT has a lower expense ratio. VWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 3982 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCIT | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $122.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.77% | 2.37% | |
| Holdings | 2,253 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | -0.81% | +9.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.13% | +21.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.03% | +17.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.76% | +6.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VCIT vs VWO Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCIT returned +2.13% while VWO returned +21.85%. Year to date, VCIT is down 0.81% versus a gain of 9.58% for VWO.
Over three years, VCIT compounded at +6.03% per year against +17.49% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.76% and +6.27% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VWO has the edge at +4.96% annualized vs +1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCIT charges 0.03% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCIT currently yields 4.77% against 2.37% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
VCIT and VWO share 0 holdings out of 6001 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 VWO?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWO charges 0.06%. VCIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCIT or VWO?
Over the past year VCIT returned +2.13% vs +21.85% for VWO, so VWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCIT annualized +1.72% vs +4.96% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCIT or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 6.0% for VCIT. Worst drawdown: VCIT -20.7% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both VCIT and VWO?
VCIT and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCIT and VWO?
VCIT and VWO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6001 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCIT or VWO?
VCIT yields 4.77% while VWO yields 2.37%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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