VEA vs VOT
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3008 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $230.9B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.57% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 3,918 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +17.17% | +11.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.88% | +9.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71% | +16.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.20% | +5.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VEA vs VOT Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +28.88% while VOT returned +9.62%. Year to date, VEA is up 17.17% versus a gain of 11.80% for VOT.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +20.71% per year against +16.13% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.20% and +5.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.74% annualized vs +3.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 17.8% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
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 2.57% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VEA and VOT share 1 holdings out of 3128 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VEA | Weight in VOT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCN:CA | 0.14% | 0.93% | 0.79% |
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or VOT?
Over the past year VEA returned +28.88% vs +9.62% for VOT, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VEA annualized +3.18% vs +9.74% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 17.8% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VOT?
VEA and VOT share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VOT?
VEA yields 2.57% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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