VNQ vs VT
Vanguard Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VT has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNQ | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $38.2B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.52% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +12.08% | +14.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.61% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.82% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.12% | +11.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.8% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VNQ vs VT Performance
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNQ returned +13.61% while VT returned +23.56%. Year to date, VNQ is up 12.08% versus a gain of 14.35% for VT.
Over three years, VNQ compounded at +9.82% per year against +20.65% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +2.12% and +11.08% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.37% annualized vs +4.08%. 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 16.6% for VT. 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 -50.6% for VT. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VNQ charges 0.13% per year while VT 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 3.52% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VNQ and VT share 95 holdings out of 8976 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VNQ or VT?
VNQ has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VT charges 0.06%. VT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VNQ or VT?
Over the past year VNQ returned +13.61% vs +23.56% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VNQ annualized +4.08% vs +7.37% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VNQ or VT?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: VNQ -75.8% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VNQ and VT?
VNQ and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VNQ and VT?
VNQ and VT share 95 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8976 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNQ or VT?
VNQ yields 3.52% while VT yields 1.61%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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