VGIT vs VIG
VGIT vs VIG
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIG offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $42.1B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.84% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | +12.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.32% | +20.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +16.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +10.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Apr 21, 2006 |
VGIT vs VIG Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% while VIG returned +20.98%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.62% versus a gain of 12.07% for VIG.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.60% per year against +16.55% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +10.94% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.69% annualized vs +0.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.3% 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 -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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 3.84% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VIG share 0 holdings out of 415 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, VGIT or VIG?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIG charges 0.04%. VGIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGIT or VIG?
Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% vs +20.98% for VIG, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.75% vs +8.69% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VIG?
VIG has been the more volatile fund at 13.3% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VIG?
VGIT and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGIT and VIG?
VGIT and VIG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 415 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VIG?
VGIT yields 3.84% while VIG yields 1.79%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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