VIG vs VOT
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth 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 | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $111.4B | $19.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 0.62% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 129 | |
| YTD Return | +10.18% | +5.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.63% | +3.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.24% | +13.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +4.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VIG vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +16.63% while VOT returned +3.98%. Year to date, VIG is up 10.18% versus a gain of 5.82% for VOT.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +16.24% per year against +13.89% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.23% and +4.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +8.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIG currently yields 1.49% against 0.62% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VOT share 26 holdings out of 426 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or VOT?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VOT charges 0.05%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VOT?
Over the past year VIG returned +16.63% vs +3.98% for VOT, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIG annualized +8.57% vs +9.41% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 13.2% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VIG and VOT?
VIG and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VOT?
VIG and VOT share 26 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 426 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VOT?
VIG yields 1.49% while VOT yields 0.62%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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