VIITX vs VONG
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. VONG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIITX offers more diversification with 2,599 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIITX | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | - | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 2,599 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | -1.66% | +3.62% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.16% | +11.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.81% | +22.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.27% | +12.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 1997 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VIITX vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIITX returned -1.16% while VONG returned +11.38%. Year to date, VIITX is down 1.66% versus a gain of 3.62% for VONG.
Over three years, VIITX compounded at +0.81% per year against +22.29% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are -2.27% and +12.29% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.60% annualized vs -2.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VONG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 4.2% for VIITX. 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 -15.0% for VIITX and -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIITX charges 0.02% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $6 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIITX currently yields 4.59% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VIITX and VONG share 1 holdings out of 1555 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VIITX | Weight in VONG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAH | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIITX or VONG?
VIITX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VONG charges 0.06%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIITX or VONG?
Over the past year VIITX returned -1.16% vs +11.38% for VONG, so VONG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIITX annualized -2.27% vs +15.60% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIITX or VONG?
VONG has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 4.2% for VIITX. Worst drawdown: VIITX -15.0% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VIITX and VONG?
VIITX and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIITX and VONG?
VIITX and VONG share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIITX or VONG?
VIITX yields 4.59% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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