VEA vs VOT
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Which is better, VEA or VOT?
Large Cap Blend against Mid Cap Growth.
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VOT over 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 | VOT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.05% |
| AUM | $230.3B | $19.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.49% | 0.60% |
| Holdings | 3,886 | 129 |
| YTD Return | +13.21%Best | +5.58% |
| 1Y Return | +22.36%Best | +2.58% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.57%Best | +15.81% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.74%Best | +4.28% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7%Best | 18.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -60.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,916Best | $12,331 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Mid Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Aug 17, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 26, 2007 to Sep 24, 2026 (19.2 years).
VEA vs VOT 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 19.2 years both funds cover.
VEA vs VOT Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +22.36% while VOT returned +2.58%. Year to date, VEA is up 13.21% versus a gain of 5.58% for VOT.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +20.57% per year against +15.81% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.74% and +4.28% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +8.66% annualized vs +2.98%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 17.7% for VEA. 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 -60.3% for VOT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEA currently yields 2.49% against 0.60% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.6% of VOT's money is in holdings VEA also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VEA, our book for it covers 94.2% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
VOT and VEA share little of their money.
3 positions in common, counted across the 3,754 positions we hold weights for in VEA and 123 in VOT, against full books of 3,886 and 129.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VEA and VOT 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 VOT?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. VEA is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VEA or VOT?
Over the past year VEA returned +22.36% vs +2.58% for VOT, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VEA annualized +2.98% vs +8.66% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VEA or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 17.7% for VEA. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VEA and VOT?
VEA and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VOT?
At least 1.6% of VOT's money is in holdings VEA also owns. Our book for VEA is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 3,754 positions we hold weights for in VEA and 123 in VOT.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VOT?
VEA yields 2.49% while VOT yields 0.60%, so VEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VOT better than VEA?
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VOT over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.