VGK vs VT
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Which is better, VGK or VT?
VT has been ahead.
VT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGK | VT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06%Tie | 0.06%Tie |
| AUM | $38.5B | $97.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 1.55% |
| Holdings | 1,240 | 10,133 |
| YTD Return | +6.23% | +12.24%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.06% | +17.11%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.50% | +20.23%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +11.20%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 16.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -59.2% | -50.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,613 | $17,003Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Jun 24, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2008 to Sep 18, 2026 (18.2 years).
VGK vs VT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.2 years both funds cover.
VGK vs VT Performance
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGK returned +14.06% while VT returned +17.11%. Year to date, VGK is up 6.23% versus a gain of 12.24% for VT.
Over three years, VGK compounded at +17.50% per year against +20.23% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.32% and +11.20% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.22% annualized vs +2.70%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% compared with 16.6% for VT. 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 -59.2% for VGK and -50.6% for VT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGK charges 0.06% per year while VT charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $6 annually. On income, VGK currently yields 2.81% against 1.55% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
At least 71.0% of VGK's money is in holdings VT also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VT, our book for it covers 90.1% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of VGK is already inside VT. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
840 positions in common, counted across the 1,101 positions we hold weights for in VGK and 9,272 in VT, against full books of 1,240 and 10,133.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VGK | Weight in VT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:ASAsml Holding Nv | 3.91% | 0.55% | 3.36% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Securities Inc | 2.25% | 0.31% | 1.94% |
| NOVN:SMNovartis Ag – Class N | 1.79% | 0.25% | 1.54% |
| NESN:SMNestle Sa | 1.58% | 0.22% | 1.36% |
| AZN:LNAstraZeneca PLC | 1.57% | 0.22% | 1.35% |
| SIE:SGSiemens Ag | 1.48% | 0.21% | 1.27% |
| SHELShell Plc | 1.44% | 0.22% | 1.22% |
| SAN:MABanco Santander S.a. | 1.27% | 0.18% | 1.09% |
| SAP:SGSap Se | 1.16% | 0.16% | 1.00% |
| FP:PATotal Se | 1.04% | 0.15% | 0.89% |
71.0% of VGK is already inside VT.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGK or VT?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VT charges 0.06%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, VGK or VT?
Over the past year VGK returned +14.06% vs +17.11% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VGK annualized +2.70% vs +7.22% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VGK or VT?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: VGK -59.2% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VGK and VT?
VGK and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VGK and VT?
At least 71.0% of VGK's money is in holdings VT also owns. Our book for VT is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 840 positions in common, counted across the 1,101 positions we hold weights for in VGK and 9,272 in VT.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGK or VT?
VGK yields 2.81% while VT yields 1.55%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VT better than VGK?
VT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.