VEA vs VGIT
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF
Which is better, VEA or VGIT?
VEA has been ahead.
VEA led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $230.3B | $50.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.49% | 3.90% |
| Holdings | 3,886 | 106 |
| YTD Return | +13.73%Best | -2.05% |
| 1Y Return | +21.98%Best | -1.18% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.84%Best | +3.63% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.22%Best | -0.43% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 4.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -17.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,267Best | $9,787 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | - |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Nov 19, 2009 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 18, 2026 (16.8 years).
VEA vs VGIT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.8 years both funds cover.
VEA vs VGIT Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +21.98% while VGIT returned -1.18%. Year to date, VEA is up 13.73% versus a loss of 2.05% for VGIT.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +19.84% per year against +3.63% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.22% and -0.43% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +5.33% annualized vs +0.66%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 4.3% for VGIT. 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 -39.9% for VEA and -17.2% for VGIT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.07. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VEA currently yields 2.49% against 3.90% for VGIT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VEA and VGIT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEA or VGIT?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGIT charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, VEA or VGIT?
Over the past year VEA returned +21.98% vs -1.18% for VGIT, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VEA annualized +5.33% vs +0.66% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VEA or VGIT?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VEA -39.9% vs VGIT -17.2%.
Should I hold both VEA and VGIT?
VEA and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VGIT?
VEA yields 2.49% while VGIT yields 3.90%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGIT better than VEA?
VEA led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.