VT vs VTEB

Quick Verdict

VTEB has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTEBHigher Returns: VTMore Diversified: VT

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVTVTEBWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.03%
AUM$77.6B$46.0B
Dividend Yield1.61%3.34%
Holdings10,1339,952
YTD Return+14.19%+0.57%
1Y Return+25.25%+5.15%
3Y Return (annualized)+20.36%+3.20%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.17%+0.58%
Volatility (annualized)16.6%4.9%
Max Drawdown-50.6%-17.0%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityTax Preferred
InceptionJun 24, 2008Aug 21, 2015

VT vs VTEB Performance

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VT returned +25.25% while VTEB returned +5.15%. Year to date, VT is up 14.19% versus a gain of 0.57% for VTEB.

Over three years, VT compounded at +20.36% per year against +3.20% for VTEB; over five years the annualized figures are +11.17% and +0.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.37% annualized vs +1.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 4.9% for VTEB. 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 -50.6% for VT and -17.0% for VTEB. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VT charges 0.06% per year while VTEB 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, VT currently yields 1.61% against 3.34% for VTEB.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VT and VTEB share 0 holdings out of 12460 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VT or VTEB?

VT has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VTEB charges 0.03%. VTEB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VT or VTEB?

Over the past year VT returned +25.25% vs +5.15% for VTEB, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VT annualized +7.37% vs +1.27% for VTEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VT or VTEB?

VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 4.9% for VTEB. Worst drawdown: VT -50.6% vs VTEB -17.0%.

Should I hold both VT and VTEB?

VT and VTEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VT and VTEB?

VT and VTEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 12460 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VT or VTEB?

VT yields 1.61% while VTEB yields 3.34%, so VTEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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