VMLUX vs VTILX
Vanguard Limited Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
VTILX has a lower expense ratio. VMLUX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTILX offers more diversification with 7,391 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VMLUX | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $34.5B | $141.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.93% | 4.19% | |
| Holdings | 7,110 | 7,391 | |
| YTD Return | -0.64% | -1.38% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.36% | -3.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.87% | -0.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.56% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.4% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2001 | Feb 17, 2021 |
VMLUX vs VTILX Performance
Vanguard Limited Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VMLUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional (VTILX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VMLUX returned -0.36% while VTILX returned -3.13%. Year to date, VMLUX is down 0.64% versus a loss of 1.38% for VTILX.
Over three years, VMLUX compounded at +0.87% per year against -0.30% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, VMLUX has the edge at -0.56% annualized vs -2.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTILX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.0% compared with 2.8% for VMLUX. 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 -8.4% for VMLUX and -15.3% for VTILX. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VMLUX charges 0.09% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $7 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VMLUX currently yields 2.93% against 4.19% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
VMLUX and VTILX share 0 holdings out of 2374 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, VMLUX or VTILX?
VMLUX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTILX charges 0.07%. VTILX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VMLUX or VTILX?
Over the past year VMLUX returned -0.36% vs -3.13% for VTILX, so VMLUX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VMLUX annualized -0.56% vs -2.90% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VMLUX or VTILX?
VTILX has been the more volatile fund at 6.0% annualized versus 2.8% for VMLUX. Worst drawdown: VMLUX -8.4% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both VMLUX and VTILX?
VMLUX and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VMLUX and VTILX?
VMLUX and VTILX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2374 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VMLUX or VTILX?
VMLUX yields 2.93% while VTILX yields 4.19%, so VTILX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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