VEU vs VONG
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VEU has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 3,928 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $68.4B | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 3,928 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +3.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.77% | +11.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.75% | +22.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.98% | +12.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VEU vs VONG Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEU returned +25.77% while VONG returned +11.38%. Year to date, VEU is up 14.50% versus a gain of 3.62% for VONG.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +20.75% per year against +22.29% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +12.29% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.60% 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $6 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.55% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and VONG share 4 holdings out of 3188 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEU or VONG?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VONG charges 0.06%. VEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VONG?
Over the past year VEU returned +25.77% vs +11.38% for VONG, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VEU annualized +3.55% vs +15.60% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VONG?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VEU and VONG?
VEU and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VONG?
VEU and VONG share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3188 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VONG?
VEU yields 2.55% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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