VIG vs VT
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $110.2B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +12.07% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.98% | +25.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.55% | +20.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.94% | +11.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VIG vs VT Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +20.98% while VT returned +25.25%. Year to date, VIG is up 12.07% versus a gain of 14.19% for VT.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +16.55% per year against +20.36% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.94% and +11.17% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.69% annualized vs +7.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VT 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 1.79% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VT share 282 holdings out of 8976 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or VT?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VT 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 VT?
Over the past year VIG returned +20.98% vs +25.25% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VIG annualized +8.69% vs +7.37% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VIG and VT?
VIG and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VT?
VIG and VT share 282 common holdings with a 24.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8976 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VT?
VIG yields 1.79% while VT yields 1.61%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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