VGSH vs VONG
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VONG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 373 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $34.7B | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | +3.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.90% | +11.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.38% | +22.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.96% | +12.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VGSH vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.90% while VONG returned +11.38%. Year to date, VGSH is up 1.13% versus a gain of 3.62% for VONG.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.38% per year against +22.29% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +1.96% and +12.29% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.60% annualized vs +0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VONG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.85% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VONG share 0 holdings out of 387 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 VONG?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VONG charges 0.06%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VONG?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.90% vs +11.38% for VONG, so VONG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VGSH annualized +0.73% vs +15.60% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VONG?
VONG has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VONG?
VGSH and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VONG?
VGSH and VONG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 387 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VONG?
VGSH yields 3.85% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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