VEA vs VV
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Large-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3008 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $230.9B | $52.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.57% | 1.25% | |
| Holdings | 3,918 | 446 | |
| YTD Return | +16.14% | +13.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.87% | +23.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.12% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.27% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -56.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Jan 27, 2004 |
VEA vs VV Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +29.87% while VV returned +23.22%. Year to date, VEA is up 16.14% versus a gain of 13.62% for VV.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +20.12% per year against +21.70% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.27% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VV has the edge at +9.53% annualized vs +3.14%. 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 14.8% for VV. 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 -56.0% for VV. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VEA currently yields 2.57% against 1.25% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
VEA and VV share 5 holdings out of 3434 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEA or VV?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VV charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or VV?
Over the past year VEA returned +29.87% vs +23.22% for VV, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VEA annualized +3.14% vs +9.53% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or VV?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.8% for VV. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VV -56.0%.
Should I hold both VEA and VV?
VEA and VV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VV?
VEA and VV share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3434 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VV?
VEA yields 2.57% while VV yields 1.25%, so VEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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