VGSH vs VIITX
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. VGSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIITX offers more diversification with 2,599 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VIITX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $34.7B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 4.59% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 2,599 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | -1.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.90% | -1.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.38% | +0.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.96% | -2.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 4.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -15.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Dec 1, 1997 |
VGSH vs VIITX Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.90% while VIITX returned -1.16%. Year to date, VGSH is up 1.13% versus a loss of 1.66% for VIITX.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.38% per year against +0.81% for VIITX; over five years the annualized figures are +1.96% and -2.27% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGSH has the edge at +0.73% annualized vs -2.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIITX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.2% 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 -15.0% for VIITX. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VIITX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $2 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.85% against 4.59% for VIITX.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VIITX share 0 holdings out of 1201 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 VIITX?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VIITX charges 0.02%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VIITX?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.90% vs -1.16% for VIITX, so VGSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGSH annualized +0.73% vs -2.27% for VIITX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VIITX?
VIITX has been the more volatile fund at 4.2% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VIITX -15.0%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VIITX?
VGSH and VIITX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VIITX?
VGSH and VIITX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VIITX?
VGSH yields 3.85% while VIITX yields 4.59%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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