VONG vs VTCIX
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Tax-Managed Capital Appreciation Fund Institutional Shares
Quick Verdict
VTCIX has a lower expense ratio. VTCIX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTCIX offers more diversification with 836 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VONG | VTCIX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $51.6B | $5.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 0.93% | |
| Holdings | 373 | 836 | |
| YTD Return | +4.01% | +12.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.19% | +20.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.47% | +20.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | +11.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -26.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Feb 24, 1999 |
VONG vs VTCIX Performance
Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Tax-Managed Capital Appreciation Fund Institutional Shares (VTCIX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VONG returned +12.19% while VTCIX returned +20.64%. Year to date, VONG is up 4.01% versus a gain of 12.08% for VTCIX.
Over three years, VONG compounded at +22.47% per year against +20.37% for VTCIX; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and +11.00% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.63% annualized vs +11.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTCIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -26.0% for VTCIX. 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 0.95. 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 VTCIX charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VONG currently yields 0.48% against 0.93% for VTCIX.
Holdings Overlap
VONG and VTCIX share 280 holdings out of 916 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VONG or VTCIX?
VONG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTCIX charges 0.03%. VTCIX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VONG or VTCIX?
Over the past year VONG returned +12.19% vs +20.64% for VTCIX, so VTCIX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VONG annualized +15.63% vs +11.00% for VTCIX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VONG or VTCIX?
VTCIX has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VONG -32.7% vs VTCIX -26.0%.
Should I hold both VONG and VTCIX?
VONG and VTCIX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VTCIX?
VONG and VTCIX share 280 common holdings with a 51.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 916 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VONG or VTCIX?
VONG yields 0.48% while VTCIX yields 0.93%, so VTCIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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