VNQ vs VXF
Vanguard Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VXF has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,376 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNQ | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $39.3B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.49% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +13.46% | +16.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.14% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.55% | +20.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.33% | +7.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.8% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VNQ vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNQ returned +13.14% while VXF returned +24.93%. Year to date, VNQ is up 13.46% versus a gain of 16.66% for VXF.
Over three years, VNQ compounded at +11.55% per year against +20.39% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +2.33% and +7.03% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.04% 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 18.7% for VXF. 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VNQ charges 0.13% per year while VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $5 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNQ currently yields 3.49% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VNQ and VXF share 106 holdings out of 3332 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VNQ or VXF?
VNQ has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VXF charges 0.05%. VXF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VNQ or VXF?
Over the past year VNQ returned +13.14% vs +24.93% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), VNQ annualized +4.13% vs +9.04% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VNQ or VXF?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 18.7% for VXF. Worst drawdown: VNQ -75.8% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VNQ and VXF?
VNQ and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VNQ and VXF?
VNQ and VXF share 106 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3332 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNQ or VXF?
VNQ yields 3.49% while VXF yields 1.03%, 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.