VIG vs VONG
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 373 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $111.4B | $43.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +10.18% | +3.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.63% | +10.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +20.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +11.48% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VIG vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +16.63% while VONG returned +10.30%. Year to date, VIG is up 10.18% versus a gain of 3.04% for VONG.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +16.24% per year against +20.57% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +10.23% and +11.48% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.53% annualized vs +8.57%. 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 13.2% 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 -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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $6 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIG currently yields 1.49% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VONG share 66 holdings out of 636 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or VONG?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VONG charges 0.06%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VONG?
Over the past year VIG returned +16.63% vs +10.30% for VONG, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VIG annualized +8.57% vs +15.53% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VONG?
VONG has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 13.2% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VIG and VONG?
VIG and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VONG?
VIG and VONG share 66 common holdings with a 29.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 636 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VONG?
VIG yields 1.49% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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