VNQ vs VV
Vanguard Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Large-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VV has a lower expense ratio. VV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VV offers more diversification with 431 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNQ | VV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38.2B | $52.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.52% | 1.25% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 446 | |
| YTD Return | +13.55% | +14.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.03% | +21.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.28% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.27% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.8% | -56.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Jan 27, 2004 |
VNQ vs VV Performance
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNQ returned +14.03% while VV returned +21.73%. Year to date, VNQ is up 13.55% versus a gain of 14.35% for VV.
Over three years, VNQ compounded at +10.28% per year against +22.06% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +2.27% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VV has the edge at +9.55% annualized vs +4.14%. 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 14.8% for VV. 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 -56.0% for VV. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VNQ charges 0.13% per year while VV 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 3.52% against 1.25% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
VNQ and VV share 18 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VNQ or VV?
VNQ has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VV charges 0.03%. VV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VNQ or VV?
Over the past year VNQ returned +14.03% vs +21.73% for VV, so VV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), VNQ annualized +4.14% vs +9.55% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VNQ or VV?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.8% for VV. Worst drawdown: VNQ -75.8% vs VV -56.0%.
Should I hold both VNQ and VV?
VNQ and VV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VNQ and VV?
VNQ and VV share 18 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNQ or VV?
VNQ yields 3.52% while VV yields 1.25%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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