VNQ vs VTILX
Vanguard Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund Class Institutional
Quick Verdict
VTILX has a lower expense ratio. VNQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTILX offers more diversification with 7,391 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNQ | VTILX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $39.3B | $141.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.49% | 4.19% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 7,391 | |
| YTD Return | +13.46% | -1.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.14% | -3.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.55% | -0.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.33% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 6.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.8% | -15.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Feb 17, 2021 |
VNQ vs VTILX Performance
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF 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 VNQ returned +13.14% while VTILX returned -3.06%. Year to date, VNQ is up 13.46% versus a loss of 1.42% for VTILX.
Over three years, VNQ compounded at +11.55% per year against -0.37% for VTILX. Across the full 5-year window we track, VNQ has the edge at +4.13% annualized vs -2.90%. 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 6.0% for VTILX. 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 -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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VNQ charges 0.13% per year while VTILX charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $7 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNQ currently yields 3.49% against 4.19% for VTILX.
Holdings Overlap
VNQ and VTILX share 0 holdings out of 1603 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, VNQ or VTILX?
VNQ has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VTILX charges 0.07%. VTILX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VNQ or VTILX?
Over the past year VNQ returned +13.14% vs -3.06% for VTILX, so VNQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VNQ annualized +4.13% vs -2.90% for VTILX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VNQ or VTILX?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 6.0% for VTILX. Worst drawdown: VNQ -75.8% vs VTILX -15.3%.
Should I hold both VNQ and VTILX?
VNQ and VTILX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VNQ and VTILX?
VNQ and VTILX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNQ or VTILX?
VNQ yields 3.49% while VTILX yields 4.19%, so VTILX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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