VDIGX vs VTV
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class vs Vanguard Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VTV has a lower expense ratio. VTV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTV offers more diversification with 308 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VDIGX | VTV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $36.4B | $186.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 2.29% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 311 | |
| YTD Return | -0.30% | +18.99% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.13% | +28.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.20% | +18.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.00% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -61.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 1992 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VDIGX vs VTV Performance
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VDIGX returned -9.13% while VTV returned +28.20%. Year to date, VDIGX is down 0.30% versus a gain of 18.99% for VTV.
Over three years, VDIGX compounded at -3.20% per year against +18.75% for VTV; over five years the annualized figures are -3.00% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTV has the edge at +7.64% annualized vs -3.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 14.5% for VTV. 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 -61.3% for VTV. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDIGX charges 0.22% per year while VTV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $3 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VDIGX currently yields 1.87% against 2.29% for VTV.
Holdings Overlap
VDIGX and VTV share 31 holdings out of 324 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VDIGX or VTV?
VDIGX has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VTV charges 0.03%. VTV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VDIGX or VTV?
Over the past year VDIGX returned -9.13% vs +28.20% for VTV, so VTV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VDIGX annualized -3.00% vs +7.64% for VTV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDIGX or VTV?
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.5% for VTV. Worst drawdown: VDIGX -32.6% vs VTV -61.3%.
Should I hold both VDIGX and VTV?
VDIGX and VTV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDIGX and VTV?
VDIGX and VTV share 31 common holdings with a 19.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 324 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDIGX or VTV?
VDIGX yields 1.87% while VTV yields 2.29%, so VTV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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