VGLT vs VOO
Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGLT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.3B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.74% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.15% | +12.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.18% | +20.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.61% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.90% | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VGLT vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGLT returned +0.18% while VOO returned +20.22%. Year to date, VGLT is down 2.15% versus a gain of 12.38% for VOO.
Over three years, VGLT compounded at +0.61% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -6.90% and +12.84% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +0.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.4% for VGLT. 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 -47.1% for VGLT and -34.3% for VOO. 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGLT charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGLT currently yields 4.74% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VGLT and VOO share 0 holdings out of 537 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, VGLT or VOO?
VGLT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGLT or VOO?
Over the past year VGLT returned +0.18% vs +20.22% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VGLT annualized +0.36% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGLT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.4% for VGLT. Worst drawdown: VGLT -47.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VGLT and VOO?
VGLT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGLT and VOO?
VGLT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGLT or VOO?
VGLT yields 4.74% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VGLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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