VGK vs VV
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
Which is better, VGK or VV?
VV has been ahead.
VV has a lower expense ratio. VV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VGK is less concentrated, with 18.4% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 38.0%.
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 | VV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $38.5B | $52.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 0.99% |
| Holdings | 1,240 | 437 |
| YTD Return | +6.23% | +12.38%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.06% | +16.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.50% | +21.61%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +13.10%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -56.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,613 | $18,506Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 18.4%Best | 38.0% |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Jan 27, 2004 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 10, 2005 to Sep 18, 2026 (21.5 years).
VGK vs VV 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 21.5 years both funds cover.
VGK vs VV Performance
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Large-Cap ETF (VV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGK returned +14.06% while VV returned +16.34%. Year to date, VGK is up 6.23% versus a gain of 12.38% for VV.
Over three years, VGK compounded at +17.50% per year against +21.61% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.32% and +13.10% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VV has the edge at +9.57% annualized vs +3.45%.
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 15.1% for VV. 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 -56.0% for VV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGK charges 0.06% per year while VV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGK currently yields 2.81% against 0.99% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
1.0% of VGK's money is in holdings VV also owns. 0.3% of VV's money is in holdings VGK also owns.
VGK and VV share little of their money.
3 positions in common, counted across the 1,101 positions we hold weights for in VGK and 431 in VV, against full books of 1,240 and 437.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 417 positions for VV that do not appear in our book for VGK (98.9% of the fund), and 10 for VGK that do not appear in VV (2.2%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VGK and VV you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGK or VV?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VV charges 0.03%. VV is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VGK or VV?
Over the past year VGK returned +14.06% vs +16.34% for VV, so VV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), VGK annualized +3.45% vs +9.57% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VGK or VV?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VV. Worst drawdown: VGK -67.3% vs VV -56.0%.
Should I hold both VGK and VV?
VGK and VV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VGK and VV?
1.0% of VGK's money is in holdings VV also owns. 0.3% of VV's is in holdings VGK also owns. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 1,101 positions we hold weights for in VGK and 431 in VV.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGK or VV?
VGK yields 2.81% while VV yields 0.99%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VV better than VGK?
VV has a lower expense ratio. VV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VGK is less concentrated, with 18.4% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 38.0%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.