VGSH vs VNQ
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Real Estate ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VNQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VNQ offers more diversification with 144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VNQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $34.7B | $39.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 3.49% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 144 | |
| YTD Return | +1.11% | +13.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.94% | +13.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.40% | +11.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.96% | +2.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -75.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 23, 2004 |
VGSH vs VNQ Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.94% while VNQ returned +13.14%. Year to date, VGSH is up 1.11% versus a gain of 13.46% for VNQ.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.40% per year against +11.55% for VNQ; over five years the annualized figures are +1.96% and +2.33% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VNQ has the edge at +4.13% annualized vs +0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -75.8% for VNQ. 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VNQ charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $13 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.85% against 3.49% for VNQ.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VNQ share 0 holdings out of 160 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 VNQ?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VNQ charges 0.13%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VNQ?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.94% vs +13.14% for VNQ, so VNQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGSH annualized +0.73% vs +4.13% for VNQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VNQ?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VNQ -75.8%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VNQ?
VGSH and VNQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VNQ?
VGSH and VNQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 160 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VNQ?
VGSH yields 3.85% while VNQ yields 3.49%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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