VGIT vs VIG
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Which is better, VGIT or VIG?
VIG has been ahead.
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VIG 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 | VIG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.04% |
| AUM | $50.8B | $111.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 1.48% |
| Holdings | 106 | 335 |
| YTD Return | -1.68% | +8.37%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.98% | +11.70%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.67% | +15.70%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.30% | +10.43%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3%Best | 12.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2%Best | -31.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,851 | $16,422Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Apr 21, 2006 |
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 VIG 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 is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
VGIT vs VIG Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned -0.98% while VIG returned +11.70%. Year to date, VGIT is down 1.68% versus a gain of 8.37% for VIG.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.67% per year against +15.70% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are -0.30% and +10.43% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +10.76% annualized vs +0.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.7% 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 -17.2% for VGIT and -31.7% for VIG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.03. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGIT charges 0.03% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGIT currently yields 3.90% against 1.48% for VIG.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VGIT and VIG 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 VIG?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIG charges 0.04%. VGIT is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VGIT or VIG?
Over the past year VGIT returned -0.98% vs +11.70% for VIG, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.68% vs +10.76% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VIG?
VIG has been the more volatile fund at 12.7% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VIG -31.7%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VIG?
VGIT and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, 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 VIG?
VGIT yields 3.90% while VIG yields 1.48%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VIG better than VGIT?
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VIG 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.