VONG vs VOT
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VONG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 386 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VONG | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 390 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +6.80% | +11.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.33% | +9.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.84% | +16.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.91% | +5.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VONG vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VONG returned +12.33% while VOT returned +9.62%. Year to date, VONG is up 6.80% versus a gain of 11.80% for VOT.
Over three years, VONG compounded at +22.84% per year against +16.13% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.91% and +5.98% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.85% annualized vs +9.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 15.9% for VONG. 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 -32.7% for VONG and -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VONG charges 0.06% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VONG currently yields 0.54% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VONG and VOT share 80 holdings out of 427 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VONG or VOT?
VONG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VONG or VOT?
Over the past year VONG returned +12.33% vs +9.62% for VOT, so VONG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VONG annualized +15.85% vs +9.74% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VONG or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VONG -32.7% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VONG and VOT?
VONG and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VONG and VOT?
VONG and VOT share 80 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 427 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VONG or VOT?
VONG yields 0.54% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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