VGIT vs VGK
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Which is better, VGIT or VGK?
VGK has been ahead.
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VGK led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VGK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.06% |
| AUM | $50.8B | $38.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 2.81% |
| Holdings | 106 | 1,240 |
| YTD Return | -1.68% | +7.63%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.98% | +16.02%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.67% | +18.04%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.30% | +9.17%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3%Best | 17.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2%Best | -41.6% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,851 | $15,507Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Mar 4, 2005 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 17, 2026 (16.8 years).
VGIT vs VGK growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.8 years both funds cover.
VGIT vs VGK Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned -0.98% while VGK returned +16.02%. Year to date, VGIT is down 1.68% versus a gain of 7.63% for VGK.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.67% per year against +18.04% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are -0.30% and +9.17% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VGK has the edge at +4.40% annualized vs +0.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -17.2% for VGIT and -41.6% for VGK. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.06. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGIT charges 0.03% per year while VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGIT currently yields 3.90% against 2.81% for VGK.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VGIT and VGK you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGIT or VGK?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGK charges 0.06%. VGIT is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VGIT or VGK?
Over the past year VGIT returned -0.98% vs +16.02% for VGK, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.68% vs +4.40% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VGK?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VGK -41.6%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VGK?
VGIT and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VGK?
VGIT yields 3.90% while VGK yields 2.81%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VGK better than VGIT?
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VGK led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.