VNQ vs VTV
Vanguard Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Value ETF
Quick Verdict
VTV has a lower expense ratio. VTV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTV offers more diversification with 311 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNQ | VTV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $39.3B | $187.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.49% | 1.85% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 311 | |
| YTD Return | +13.46% | +18.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.14% | +27.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.55% | +19.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.33% | +12.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.8% | -61.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VNQ vs VTV Performance
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Value ETF (VTV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNQ returned +13.14% while VTV returned +27.73%. Year to date, VNQ is up 13.46% versus a gain of 18.65% for VTV.
Over three years, VNQ compounded at +11.55% per year against +19.75% for VTV; over five years the annualized figures are +2.33% and +12.58% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTV has the edge at +7.62% annualized vs +4.13%. 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 14.5% for VTV. 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 -61.3% for VTV. 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 VTV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $3 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNQ currently yields 3.49% against 1.85% for VTV.
Holdings Overlap
VNQ and VTV share 14 holdings out of 438 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VNQ or VTV?
VNQ has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VTV charges 0.03%. VTV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VNQ or VTV?
Over the past year VNQ returned +13.14% vs +27.73% for VTV, so VTV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), VNQ annualized +4.13% vs +7.62% for VTV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VNQ or VTV?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.5% for VTV. Worst drawdown: VNQ -75.8% vs VTV -61.3%.
Should I hold both VNQ and VTV?
VNQ and VTV 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 VTV?
VNQ and VTV share 14 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 438 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNQ or VTV?
VNQ yields 3.49% while VTV yields 1.85%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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