VGSH vs VOT
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOT offers more diversification with 121 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $29.4B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.87% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +0.71% | +10.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.54% | +8.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.26% | +15.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.88% | +5.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VGSH vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.54% while VOT returned +8.73%. Year to date, VGSH is up 0.71% versus a gain of 10.59% for VOT.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.26% per year against +15.72% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +1.88% and +5.72% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.68% annualized vs +0.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 VOT. 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.87% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VOT share 0 holdings out of 197 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 VOT?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VOT?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.54% vs +8.73% for VOT, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGSH annualized +0.71% vs +9.68% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VOT?
VGSH and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VOT?
VGSH and VOT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 197 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VOT?
VGSH yields 3.87% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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