VIG vs VT
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Which is better, VIG or VT?
Each has led over a different period.
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VIG led over the full window, VT over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.06% |
| AUM | $111.4B | $97.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 1.55% |
| Holdings | 335 | 10,133 |
| YTD Return | +8.31% | +12.24%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.70% | +17.11%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.76% | +20.23%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.72% | +11.20%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6%Best | 16.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -41.6%Best | -50.6% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,639 | $17,003Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Jun 24, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2008 to Sep 18, 2026 (18.2 years).
VIG vs VT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.2 years both funds cover.
VIG vs VT Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +11.70% while VT returned +17.11%. Year to date, VIG is up 8.31% versus a gain of 12.24% for VT.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +15.76% per year against +20.23% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +10.72% and +11.20% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +9.47% annualized vs +7.22%.
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 13.6% 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 -41.6% for VIG and -50.6% for VT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 1.48% against 1.55% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
At least 97.1% of VIG's money is in holdings VT also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VT, our book for it covers 90.1% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of VIG is already inside VT. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
273 positions in common, counted across the 322 positions we hold weights for in VIG and 9,272 in VT, against full books of 335 and 10,133.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VIG | Weight in VT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPLApple, Inc | 4.45% | 3.84% | 0.61% |
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp | 4.34% | 2.97% | 1.37% |
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 4.63% | 1.56% | 3.07% |
| JPMJpmorgan Chase | 4.07% | 0.81% | 3.26% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 3.93% | 0.79% | 3.14% |
| XOMExxon Mobil Corp. | 2.78% | 0.56% | 2.22% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 2.67% | 0.53% | 2.14% |
| VVisa Inc Class A | 2.45% | 0.52% | 1.93% |
| WMTWalmart, Inc. | 2.11% | 0.42% | 1.69% |
| MAMastercard Inc | 2.00% | 0.40% | 1.60% |
97.1% of VIG is already inside VT.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VIG or VT?
Over the past year VIG returned +11.70% vs +17.11% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VIG annualized +9.47% vs +7.22% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VIG or VT?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.6% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -41.6% 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. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VT?
At least 97.1% of VIG's money is in holdings VT also owns. Our book for VT is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 273 positions in common, counted across the 322 positions we hold weights for in VIG and 9,272 in VT.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VT?
VIG yields 1.48% while VT yields 1.55%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VT better than VIG?
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VIG led over the full window, VT over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.