VEA vs VONG
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3,918 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $230.3B | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 3,918 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +16.04% | +4.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.57% | +11.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.37% | +22.56% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.66% | +12.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VEA vs VONG Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +27.57% while VONG returned +11.28%. Year to date, VEA is up 16.04% versus a gain of 4.26% for VONG.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +21.37% per year against +22.56% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +10.66% and +12.67% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.65% annualized vs +3.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 15.9% for VONG. 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 -62.9% for VEA and -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEA currently yields 2.55% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VEA and VONG share 4 holdings out of 4111 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEA or VONG?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VONG charges 0.06%. VEA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or VONG?
Over the past year VEA returned +27.57% vs +11.28% for VONG, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VEA annualized +3.13% vs +15.65% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or VONG?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VEA and VONG?
VEA and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VONG?
VEA and VONG share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VONG?
VEA yields 2.55% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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