VGIT vs VWIUX
VGIT vs VWIUX
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VGIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 1763 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $42.1B | $86.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.84% | 3.05% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | -1.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.32% | +1.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +0.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | -1.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -16.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VGIT vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% while VWIUX returned +1.26%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.62% versus a loss of 1.23% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.60% per year against +0.62% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and -1.74% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGIT has the edge at +0.75% annualized vs -1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.4% 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 -16.3% for VWIUX. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGIT charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGIT currently yields 3.84% against 3.05% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 1847 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 VWIUX?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VGIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGIT or VWIUX?
Over the past year VGIT returned +1.32% vs +1.26% for VWIUX, so VGIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGIT annualized +0.75% vs -1.74% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VWIUX?
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund at 5.4% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VWIUX -16.3%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VWIUX?
VGIT and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGIT and VWIUX?
VGIT and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1847 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VWIUX?
VGIT yields 3.84% while VWIUX yields 3.05%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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