VGIT vs VTI
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 209 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.37% | +12.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.47% | +20.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.13% | +21.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.09% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
VGIT vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned +1.47% while VTI returned +20.47%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.37% versus a gain of 12.79% for VTI.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +4.13% per year against +21.53% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.09% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +0.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 3.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2871 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 VTI?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGIT or VTI?
Over the past year VGIT returned +1.47% vs +20.47% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.77% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VTI?
VGIT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGIT and VTI?
VGIT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VTI?
VGIT yields 3.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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