VGK vs VOT
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 958 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGK | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $30.0B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 1,251 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +11.16% | +9.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.18% | +8.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.17% | +15.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.29% | +5.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VGK vs VOT Performance
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGK returned +23.18% while VOT returned +8.58%. Year to date, VGK is up 11.16% versus a gain of 9.33% for VOT.
Over three years, VGK compounded at +18.17% per year against +15.30% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.29% and +5.56% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.62% annualized vs +3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 18.5% for VGK. 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 -67.3% for VGK and -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGK charges 0.06% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGK currently yields 2.94% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VGK and VOT share 1 holdings out of 1078 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VGK | Weight in VOT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRM | 0.13% | 0.78% | 0.65% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGK or VOT?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGK or VOT?
Over the past year VGK returned +23.18% vs +8.58% for VOT, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VGK annualized +3.69% vs +9.62% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGK or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 18.5% for VGK. Worst drawdown: VGK -67.3% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VGK and VOT?
VGK and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGK and VOT?
VGK and VOT share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1078 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGK or VOT?
VGK yields 2.94% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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