VGSH vs VWIUX
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VGSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $34.7B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +1.11% | -1.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.94% | +0.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.40% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.96% | -1.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VGSH vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.94% while VWIUX returned +0.89%. Year to date, VGSH is up 1.11% versus a loss of 1.81% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.40% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +1.96% and -1.82% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VGSH has the edge at +0.73% annualized vs -1.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.4% 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.85% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 1779 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 VWIUX?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VWIUX?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.94% vs +0.89% for VWIUX, so VGSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VGSH annualized +0.73% vs -1.82% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VWIUX?
VWIUX has been the more volatile fund at 5.4% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VWIUX?
VGSH and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VWIUX?
VGSH and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1779 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VWIUX?
VGSH yields 3.85% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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