VGSH vs VV
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Large-Cap ETF
Which is better, VGSH or VV?
Short Term Government Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Tie | 0.03%Tie |
| AUM | $30.2B | $52.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 94 | 437 |
| YTD Return | +1.00% | +12.67%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.13% | +19.15%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.27% | +21.34%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.93% | +12.37%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4%Best | 14.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7%Best | -34.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,003 | $17,916Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Short Term Government Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jan 27, 2004 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 23, 2009 to Sep 8, 2026 (16.8 years).
VGSH vs VV growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
VGSH vs VV Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Large-Cap ETF (VV) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.13% while VV returned +19.15%. Year to date, VGSH is up 1.00% versus a gain of 12.67% for VV.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.27% per year against +21.34% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +1.93% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VV has the edge at +12.80% annualized vs +0.72%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -34.3% for VV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.01. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.85% against 1.03% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 16 holdings in VGSH and 431 in VV, totalling 15.5% and 99.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 16 positions we hold weights for in VGSH and 431 in VV, against full books of 94 and 437.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VGSH and VV you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGSH or VV?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VV charges 0.03%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, VGSH or VV?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.13% vs +19.15% for VV, so VV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VGSH annualized +0.72% vs +12.80% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VV?
VV has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VV -34.3%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VV?
VGSH and VV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VV?
VGSH yields 3.85% while VV yields 1.03%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VV better than VGSH?
VV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.