VEU vs VIG
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 2818 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 3,921 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +14.40% | +12.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.97% | +20.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +16.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.31% | +10.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Apr 21, 2006 |
VEU vs VIG Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEU returned +27.97% while VIG returned +20.77%. Year to date, VEU is up 14.40% versus a gain of 12.26% for VIG.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +19.79% per year against +16.59% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +10.76% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.69% annualized vs +3.55%. 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 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, VEU currently yields 2.54% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and VIG share 3 holdings out of 3146 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEU or VIG?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VIG charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VIG?
Over the past year VEU returned +27.97% vs +20.77% for VIG, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VEU annualized +3.55% vs +8.69% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VIG?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both VEU and VIG?
VEU and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VIG?
VEU and VIG share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VIG?
VEU yields 2.54% while VIG yields 1.79%, so VEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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