VOT vs VT
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Which is better, VOT or VT?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VOT led over the full window, VT over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOT | VT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.06% |
| AUM | $19.1B | $97.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 1.55% |
| Holdings | 129 | 10,133 |
| YTD Return | +4.24% | +12.24%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.42% | +17.11%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.38% | +20.23%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.53% | +11.20%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 16.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -50.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,480 | $17,003Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Jun 24, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2008 to Sep 18, 2026 (18.2 years).
VOT vs VT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.2 years both funds cover.
VOT vs VT Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOT returned +0.42% while VT returned +17.11%. Year to date, VOT is up 4.24% versus a gain of 12.24% for VT.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +14.38% per year against +20.23% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +4.53% and +11.20% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.21% annualized vs +7.22%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% compared with 16.6% for VT. 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 -56.3% for VOT and -50.6% for VT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
VOT charges 0.05% per year while VT charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $6 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOT currently yields 0.60% against 1.55% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
At least 95.2% of VOT's money is in holdings VT also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VT, our book for it covers 90.1% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of VOT is already inside VT. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
113 positions in common, counted across the 123 positions we hold weights for in VOT and 9,272 in VT, against full books of 129 and 10,133.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOT | Weight in VT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HWMHowmet Aerospace Inc. | 2.57% | 0.10% | 2.47% |
| PWRQuanta Services Inc | 2.28% | 0.09% | 2.19% |
| WDCWestern Digital Corp Company Guar 11/28 3 | 2.14% | 0.16% | 1.98% |
| VRTVertiv Holdings Co | 2.11% | 0.08% | 2.03% |
| NETCloudflare Inc (180 Day Lockup) | 2.03% | 0.08% | 1.95% |
| DDOGDatadog Inc | 2.02% | 0.08% | 1.94% |
| CEGConstellation Energy Corporation Com | 1.94% | 0.07% | 1.87% |
| ROSTRoss Stores, Inc. | 1.84% | 0.07% | 1.77% |
| RCLRoyal Caribbean Cruises | 1.75% | 0.07% | 1.68% |
| DASHDoordash Inc - A | 1.65% | 0.06% | 1.59% |
95.2% of VOT is already inside VT.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOT or VT?
VOT has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VT charges 0.06%. VOT is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VOT or VT?
Over the past year VOT returned +0.42% vs +17.11% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VOT annualized +9.21% vs +7.22% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VOT or VT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: VOT -56.3% vs VT -50.6%.
Should I hold both VOT and VT?
VOT and VT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VOT and VT?
At least 95.2% of VOT's money is in holdings VT also owns. Our book for VT is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 113 positions in common, counted across the 123 positions we hold weights for in VOT and 9,272 in VT.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or VT?
VOT yields 0.60% while VT yields 1.55%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VT better than VOT?
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VOT led over the full window, VT over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.