VGSH vs VIG
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIG offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $29.4B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.87% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +0.81% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.53% | +19.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.29% | +16.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.90% | +10.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Apr 21, 2006 |
VGSH vs VIG Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.53% while VIG returned +19.37%. Year to date, VGSH is up 0.81% versus a gain of 12.71% for VIG.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.29% per year against +16.71% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +1.90% and +10.78% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.71% annualized vs +0.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.3% compared with 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH and -48.2% for VIG. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.87% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VIG share 0 holdings out of 407 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, VGSH or VIG?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIG charges 0.04%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VIG?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.53% vs +19.37% for VIG, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGSH annualized +0.71% vs +8.71% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VIG?
VIG has been the more volatile fund at 13.3% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VIG?
VGSH and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VIG?
VGSH and VIG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 407 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VIG?
VGSH yields 3.87% while VIG yields 1.79%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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