VIITX vs VOT
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIITX offers more diversification with 1185 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIITX | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 2,599 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | -2.03% | +10.59% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.44% | +8.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.54% | +15.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.33% | +5.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 1997 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VIITX vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIITX returned -1.44% while VOT returned +8.73%. Year to date, VIITX is down 2.03% versus a gain of 10.59% for VOT.
Over three years, VIITX compounded at +0.54% per year against +15.72% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are -2.33% and +5.72% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.68% annualized vs -2.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIITX charges 0.02% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIITX currently yields 4.56% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VIITX and VOT share 0 holdings out of 1306 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, VIITX or VOT?
VIITX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VOT charges 0.05%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIITX or VOT?
Over the past year VIITX returned -1.44% vs +8.73% for VOT, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIITX annualized -2.33% vs +9.68% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIITX or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 4.2% for VIITX. Worst drawdown: VIITX -15.0% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VIITX and VOT?
VIITX and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIITX and VOT?
VIITX and VOT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1306 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIITX or VOT?
VIITX yields 4.56% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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