VDIGX vs VWIUX
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VWIUX has a lower expense ratio. VWIUX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VDIGX | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $35.5B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 23.36% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | -0.88% | -1.59% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.33% | +1.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.77% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.21% | -1.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | May 15, 1992 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VDIGX vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VDIGX returned -11.33% while VWIUX returned +1.04%. Year to date, VDIGX is down 0.88% versus a loss of 1.59% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VDIGX compounded at -2.77% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are -3.21% and -1.78% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VWIUX has the edge at -1.78% annualized vs -3.21%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDIGX charges 0.20% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VDIGX currently yields 23.36% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VDIGX and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 1810 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, VDIGX or VWIUX?
VDIGX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VWIUX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VDIGX or VWIUX?
Over the past year VDIGX returned -11.33% vs +1.04% for VWIUX, so VWIUX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VDIGX annualized -3.21% vs -1.78% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDIGX or VWIUX?
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VDIGX -32.6% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VDIGX and VWIUX?
VDIGX and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDIGX and VWIUX?
VDIGX and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDIGX or VWIUX?
VDIGX yields 23.36% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VDIGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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