VOT vs VT
Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOT | VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $19.9B | $77.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 1.61% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 10,133 | |
| YTD Return | +8.89% | +13.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.14% | +24.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.33% | +20.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.51% | +11.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VOT vs VT Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOT returned +8.14% while VT returned +24.60%. Year to date, VOT is up 8.89% versus a gain of 13.96% for VT.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +15.33% per year against +20.52% for VT; over five years the annualized figures are +5.51% and +11.09% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.60% annualized vs +7.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -60.3% for VOT and -50.6% for VT. 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
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 0.65% against 1.61% for VT.
Holdings Overlap
VOT and VT share 114 holdings out of 8934 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOT or VT?
Over the past year VOT returned +8.14% vs +24.60% for VT, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VOT annualized +9.60% vs +7.35% for VT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOT or VT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: VOT -60.3% 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. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VOT and VT?
VOT and VT share 114 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8934 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or VT?
VOT yields 0.65% while VT yields 1.61%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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