VGSH vs VO
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VO offers more diversification with 289 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $34.7B | $106.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 1.32% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 289 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | +13.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.90% | +16.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.38% | +17.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.96% | +8.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VGSH vs VO Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.90% while VO returned +16.94%. Year to date, VGSH is up 1.13% versus a gain of 13.60% for VO.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.38% per year against +17.25% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.96% and +8.13% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.19% annualized vs +0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -60.3% for VO. 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
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.85% against 1.32% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VO share 0 holdings out of 295 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 VO?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VO?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.90% vs +16.94% for VO, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGSH annualized +0.73% vs +9.19% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VO?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VO?
VGSH and VO 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 VGSH and VO?
VGSH and VO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 295 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VO?
VGSH yields 3.85% while VO yields 1.32%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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