VGIT vs VT
VGIT vs VT
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $42.1B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.84% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.32% | +25.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +20.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +11.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VGIT vs VT Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% while VT returned +25.25%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.62% versus a gain of 14.19% for VT.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.60% per year against +20.36% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +11.17% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.37% annualized vs +0.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 VT 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 3.84% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VT share 0 holdings out of 9011 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 VT?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VT charges 0.06%. VGIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGIT or VT?
Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% vs +25.25% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.75% vs +7.37% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VT?
VGIT and VT 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 VT?
VGIT and VT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9011 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VT?
VGIT yields 3.84% while VT yields 1.61%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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