VO vs VWIUX
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $106.6B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 289 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +13.60% | -1.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.94% | +1.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.25% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | -1.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VO vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VO returned +16.94% while VWIUX returned +1.04%. Year to date, VO is up 13.60% versus a loss of 1.59% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VO compounded at +17.25% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and -1.78% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.19% annualized vs -1.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -60.3% for VO and -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VO charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VO currently yields 1.32% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VO and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 2042 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, VO or VWIUX?
VO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VO or VWIUX?
Over the past year VO returned +16.94% vs +1.04% for VWIUX, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VO annualized +9.19% vs -1.78% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or VWIUX?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VO and VWIUX?
VO and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VO and VWIUX?
VO and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2042 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or VWIUX?
VO yields 1.32% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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