VGIT vs VTI
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, VGIT or VTI?
VTI has been ahead.
VTI 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 | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $39.8B | $690.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.90% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 105 | 3,524 |
| YTD Return | -2.55% | +14.54%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.65% | +16.83%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.61% | +22.56%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.25% | +12.76%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3%Best | 14.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,876 | $18,230Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Oct 9, 2026 (16.9 years).
VGIT vs VTI 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 VTI Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned -1.65% while VTI returned +16.83%. Year to date, VGIT is down 2.55% versus a gain of 14.54% for VTI.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.61% per year against +22.56% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.25% and +12.76% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.61% annualized vs +0.63%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.04. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGIT charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGIT currently yields 3.90% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 74 holdings in VGIT and 3,463 in VTI, totalling 72.4% and 98.1% of the two funds. That is not enough of VGIT to divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 1 positions appear in both.
1 positions in common, counted across the 74 positions we hold weights for in VGIT and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 105 and 3,524.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VGIT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURVVanguard Market Liquidity Fund | 0.52% | 0.00% | 0.52% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VGIT and VTI 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 VTI?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, VGIT or VTI?
Over the past year VGIT returned -1.65% vs +16.83% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.63% vs +12.61% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VTI?
VGIT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, 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 VTI?
VGIT yields 3.90% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than VGIT?
VTI 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.