VGLT vs VTI
Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGLT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.74% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.21% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.14% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.89% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.56% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | May 24, 2001 |
VGLT vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGLT returned +1.14% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, VGLT is down 1.21% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, VGLT compounded at +0.89% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -6.56% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.08% annualized vs +0.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGLT charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGLT currently yields 4.74% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VGLT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2819 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 VTI?
VGLT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGLT or VTI?
Over the past year VGLT returned +1.14% vs +20.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGLT annualized +0.42% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGLT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.4% for VGLT. Worst drawdown: VGLT -47.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VGLT and VTI?
VGLT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGLT and VTI?
VGLT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2819 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGLT or VTI?
VGLT yields 4.74% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VGLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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