VDIGX vs VOT
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOT offers more diversification with 121 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VDIGX | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $36.4B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | -0.30% | +10.59% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.13% | +8.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.20% | +15.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.00% | +5.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 1992 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VDIGX vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VDIGX returned -9.13% while VOT returned +8.73%. Year to date, VDIGX is down 0.30% versus a gain of 10.59% for VOT.
Over three years, VDIGX compounded at -3.20% per year against +15.72% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are -3.00% and +5.72% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.68% annualized vs -3.00%. 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 16.1% for VDIGX. 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 -32.6% for VDIGX 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDIGX charges 0.22% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $5 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VDIGX currently yields 1.87% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VDIGX or VOT?
VDIGX has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VDIGX or VOT?
Over the past year VDIGX returned -9.13% vs +8.73% for VOT, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VDIGX annualized -3.00% vs +9.68% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDIGX or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 16.1% for VDIGX. Worst drawdown: VDIGX -32.6% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VDIGX and VOT?
VDIGX and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDIGX and VOT?
VDIGX and VOT share 2 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 166 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDIGX or VOT?
VDIGX yields 1.87% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VDIGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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