VOT vs VTBNX
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Institutional Shares
Quick Verdict
VTBNX has a lower expense ratio. VOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTBNX offers more diversification with 15,623 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOT | VTBNX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $19.1B | $207.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.62% | 3.79% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 15,623 | |
| YTD Return | +8.96% | -2.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.44% | -1.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.15% | +0.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | -3.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 6.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -21.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Feb 17, 2009 |
VOT vs VTBNX Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) 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 VOT returned +8.44% while VTBNX returned -1.68%. Year to date, VOT is up 8.96% versus a loss of 2.70% for VTBNX.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +16.15% per year against +0.65% for VTBNX; over five years the annualized figures are +5.39% and -3.62% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.59% annualized vs -3.62%. 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 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 -60.3% for VOT 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOT charges 0.05% per year while VTBNX charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $2 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOT currently yields 0.62% against 3.79% for VTBNX.
Holdings Overlap
VOT and VTBNX share 1 holdings out of 12848 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 VOT | Weight in VTBNX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.15% | 0.00% | 0.15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOT or VTBNX?
VOT has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VTBNX charges 0.02%. VTBNX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOT or VTBNX?
Over the past year VOT returned +8.44% vs -1.68% for VTBNX, so VOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VOT annualized +9.59% vs -3.62% for VTBNX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOT or VTBNX?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 6.3% for VTBNX. Worst drawdown: VOT -60.3% vs VTBNX -21.5%.
Should I hold both VOT and VTBNX?
VOT and VTBNX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOT and VTBNX?
VOT and VTBNX share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 12848 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or VTBNX?
VOT yields 0.62% while VTBNX yields 3.79%, so VTBNX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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