VEU vs VGIT

Quick Verdict

VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 2818 holdings.

Lower Fees: VGITHigher Returns: VEUMore Diversified: VEU

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVEUVGITWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.03%
AUM$67.3B$42.1B
Dividend Yield2.54%3.84%
Holdings3,921106
YTD Return+14.81%-0.62%
1Y Return+28.44%+1.32%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.56%+3.60%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.56%-0.12%
Volatility (annualized)17.7%4.3%
Max Drawdown-62.8%-17.2%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionMar 2, 2007Nov 19, 2009

VEU vs VGIT Performance

Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEU returned +28.44% while VGIT returned +1.32%. Year to date, VEU is up 14.81% versus a loss of 0.62% for VGIT.

Over three years, VEU compounded at +19.56% per year against +3.60% for VGIT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.56% and -0.12% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VEU has the edge at +3.57% annualized vs +0.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -62.8% for VEU and -17.2% for VGIT. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VEU charges 0.04% per year while VGIT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.54% against 3.84% for VGIT.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VEU and VGIT share 0 holdings out of 2902 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VEU or VGIT?

VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VGIT charges 0.03%. VGIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VEU or VGIT?

Over the past year VEU returned +28.44% vs +1.32% for VGIT, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VEU annualized +3.57% vs +0.75% for VGIT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VEU or VGIT?

VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VGIT -17.2%.

Should I hold both VEU and VGIT?

VEU and VGIT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VGIT?

VEU and VGIT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2902 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VGIT?

VEU yields 2.54% while VGIT yields 3.84%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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