VIG vs VTI
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $111.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.47% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.60% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.17% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.52% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
VIG vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +18.60% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, VIG is up 11.47% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +17.17% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.52% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.64% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.95. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIG currently yields 1.49% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VTI share 277 holdings out of 2841 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or VTI?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VTI?
Over the past year VIG returned +18.60% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIG annualized +8.64% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VIG and VTI?
VIG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VTI?
VIG and VTI share 277 common holdings with a 36.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2841 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VTI?
VIG yields 1.49% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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