VGIT vs VXF
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 2462 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGIT | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $42.1B | $31.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.84% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | +17.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.32% | +26.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +18.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +6.95% | |
| 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 +1.32% while VXF returned +26.88%. Year to date, VGIT is down 0.62% versus a gain of 17.50% for VXF.
Over three years, VGIT compounded at +3.60% per year against +18.92% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +6.95% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.09% annualized vs +0.75%. 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 -0.07. 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 3.84% against 1.21% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VGIT and VXF share 0 holdings out of 2546 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 +1.32% vs +26.88% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGIT annualized +0.75% vs +9.09% 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 -0.07, 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 2546 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGIT or VXF?
VGIT yields 3.84% while VXF yields 1.21%, so VGIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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