VGK vs VTILX
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
VGK has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTILX offers more diversification with 7,391 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGK | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $30.5B | $141.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.82% | 4.19% | |
| Holdings | 1,251 | 7,391 | |
| YTD Return | +10.81% | -1.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.44% | -3.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.94% | -0.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.55% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Feb 17, 2021 |
VGK vs VTILX Performance
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional (VTILX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGK returned +19.44% while VTILX returned -3.13%. Year to date, VGK is up 10.81% versus a loss of 1.38% for VTILX.
Over three years, VGK compounded at +18.94% per year against -0.30% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGK has the edge at +3.67% annualized vs -2.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 6.0% for VTILX. 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 -15.3% for VTILX. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGK charges 0.06% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $7 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGK currently yields 2.82% against 4.19% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
VGK and VTILX share 25 holdings out of 2611 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGK or VTILX?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTILX charges 0.07%. VGK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGK or VTILX?
Over the past year VGK returned +19.44% vs -3.13% for VTILX, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGK annualized +3.67% vs -2.90% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGK or VTILX?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 6.0% for VTILX. Worst drawdown: VGK -67.3% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both VGK and VTILX?
VGK and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGK and VTILX?
VGK and VTILX share 25 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGK or VTILX?
VGK yields 2.82% while VTILX yields 4.19%, so VTILX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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