VNQ vs VONG
Vanguard Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VONG has a lower expense ratio. VNQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 373 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNQ | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $39.3B | $51.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.49% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +13.84% | +6.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.14% | +11.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.79% | +23.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.35% | +12.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.8% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VNQ vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNQ returned +15.14% while VONG returned +11.87%. Year to date, VNQ is up 13.84% versus a gain of 6.50% for VONG.
Over three years, VNQ compounded at +10.79% per year against +23.12% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +2.35% and +12.81% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.82% annualized vs +4.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 15.9% for VONG. 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 -75.8% for VNQ 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VNQ charges 0.13% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $6 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNQ currently yields 3.49% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VNQ and VONG share 7 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VNQ or VONG?
VNQ has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VONG charges 0.06%. VONG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VNQ or VONG?
Over the past year VNQ returned +15.14% vs +11.87% for VONG, so VNQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VNQ annualized +4.15% vs +15.82% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VNQ or VONG?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VNQ -75.8% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VNQ and VONG?
VNQ and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VNQ and VONG?
VNQ and VONG share 7 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNQ or VONG?
VNQ yields 3.49% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.