VGIT vs VXF
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VGIT has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,376 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $42.4B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 209 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | -0.22% | +16.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.22% | +20.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.11% | +19.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.07% | +6.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VGIT vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGIT returned +1.22% while VXF returned +20.68%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.22% versus a gain of 16.72% for VXF.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +4.11% per year against +19.97% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are -0.07% and +6.45% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGIT charges 0.03% per year while VXF 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 3.88% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VXF share 0 holdings out of 3378 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 VXF?
VGIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXF 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 VXF?
Over the past year VGIT returned +1.22% vs +20.68% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.78% vs +9.04% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGIT or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 4.3% for VGIT. Worst drawdown: VGIT -17.2% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VGIT and VXF?
VGIT and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGIT and VXF?
VGIT and VXF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3378 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VXF?
VGIT yields 3.88% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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