VIG vs VNQ
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Real Estate ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIG offers more diversification with 335 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VNQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $111.4B | $39.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 3.49% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 144 | |
| YTD Return | +10.70% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.31% | +12.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.80% | +11.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.39% | +2.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -75.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Sep 23, 2004 |
VIG vs VNQ Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +17.31% while VNQ returned +12.92%. Year to date, VIG is up 10.70% versus a gain of 13.57% for VNQ.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +16.80% per year against +11.70% for VNQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.39% and +2.31% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.60% annualized vs +4.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG and -75.8% for VNQ. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VNQ charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $13 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIG currently yields 1.49% against 3.49% for VNQ.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VNQ share 0 holdings out of 475 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, VIG or VNQ?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VNQ charges 0.13%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VNQ?
Over the past year VIG returned +17.31% vs +12.92% for VNQ, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIG annualized +8.60% vs +4.14% for VNQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VNQ?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VNQ -75.8%.
Should I hold both VIG and VNQ?
VIG and VNQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VNQ?
VIG and VNQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 475 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VNQ?
VIG yields 1.49% while VNQ yields 3.49%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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