VGIT vs VOT
VGIT vs VOT
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOT offers more diversification with 121 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $42.1B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.84% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | +9.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.32% | +7.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +15.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +5.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VGIT vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% while VOT returned +7.07%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.62% versus a gain of 9.25% for VOT.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.60% per year against +15.11% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +5.46% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.62% annualized vs +0.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGIT charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGIT currently yields 3.84% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VOT share 0 holdings out of 205 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 VOT?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. VGIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGIT or VOT?
Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% vs +7.07% for VOT, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.75% vs +9.62% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VOT?
VGIT and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGIT and VOT?
VGIT and VOT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 205 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VOT?
VGIT yields 3.84% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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