VONG vs VTBNX
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares
Quick Verdict
VTBNX has a lower expense ratio. VONG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTBNX offers more diversification with 15,623 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VONG | VTBNX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $51.6B | $207.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 3.79% | |
| Holdings | 373 | 15,623 | |
| YTD Return | +4.01% | -2.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.19% | -1.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.47% | +0.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | -3.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 6.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -21.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Feb 17, 2009 |
VONG vs VTBNX Performance
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares (VTBNX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VONG returned +12.19% while VTBNX returned -1.68%. Year to date, VONG is up 4.01% versus a loss of 2.70% for VTBNX.
Over three years, VONG compounded at +22.47% per year against +0.65% for VTBNX; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and -3.62% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.63% annualized vs -3.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VONG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 6.3% for VTBNX. 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 -21.5% for VTBNX. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VONG charges 0.06% per year while VTBNX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $2 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VONG currently yields 0.48% against 3.79% for VTBNX.
Holdings Overlap
VONG and VTBNX share 1 holdings out of 13098 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VONG | Weight in VTBNX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRCX | 1.60% | 0.00% | 1.60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VONG or VTBNX?
VONG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTBNX charges 0.02%. VTBNX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VONG or VTBNX?
Over the past year VONG returned +12.19% vs -1.68% for VTBNX, so VONG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VONG annualized +15.63% vs -3.62% for VTBNX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VONG or VTBNX?
VONG has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 6.3% for VTBNX. Worst drawdown: VONG -32.7% vs VTBNX -21.5%.
Should I hold both VONG and VTBNX?
VONG and VTBNX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VONG and VTBNX?
VONG and VTBNX share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 13098 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VONG or VTBNX?
VONG yields 0.48% while VTBNX yields 3.79%, so VTBNX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.