VIG vs VXF
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 2462 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $110.2B | $31.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +12.51% | +18.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.91% | +25.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.66% | +19.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.81% | +7.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VIG vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +19.91% while VXF returned +25.58%. Year to date, VIG is up 12.51% versus a gain of 18.25% for VXF.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +16.66% per year against +19.62% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +10.81% and +7.04% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.11% annualized vs +8.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 VXF 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 1.79% against 1.21% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VXF share 136 holdings out of 2657 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or VXF?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXF 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 VXF?
Over the past year VIG returned +19.91% vs +25.58% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIG annualized +8.70% vs +9.11% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VIG and VXF?
VIG and VXF 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 VXF?
VIG and VXF share 136 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2657 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VXF?
VIG yields 1.79% while VXF yields 1.21%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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