VIG vs VWIUX
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $111.4B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +11.47% | -1.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.60% | +0.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.17% | +0.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.52% | -1.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VIG vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +18.60% while VWIUX returned +0.97%. Year to date, VIG is up 11.47% versus a loss of 1.67% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +17.17% per year against +0.65% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +10.52% and -1.79% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.64% annualized vs -1.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.3% compared with 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIG currently yields 1.49% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 2094 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or VWIUX?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VWIUX?
Over the past year VIG returned +18.60% vs +0.97% for VWIUX, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIG annualized +8.64% vs -1.79% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VWIUX?
VIG has been the more volatile fund at 13.3% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VIG and VWIUX?
VIG and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VWIUX?
VIG and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2094 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VWIUX?
VIG yields 1.49% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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