VCSH vs VOT
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VCSH has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCSH offers more diversification with 2440 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 2,719 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +0.70% | +10.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.88% | +8.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.52% | +15.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.31% | +5.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VCSH vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +2.88% while VOT returned +8.73%. Year to date, VCSH is up 0.70% versus a gain of 10.59% for VOT.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.52% per year against +15.72% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +2.31% and +5.72% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.68% annualized vs +1.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 2.6% for VCSH. 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 -12.9% for VCSH and -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.44% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VOT share 1 holdings out of 2560 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VCSH | Weight in VOT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.01% | 0.15% | 0.14% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCSH or VOT?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. VCSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCSH or VOT?
Over the past year VCSH returned +2.88% vs +8.73% for VOT, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCSH annualized +1.28% vs +9.68% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VOT?
VCSH and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VOT?
VCSH and VOT share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VOT?
VCSH yields 4.44% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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