VT vs VUG
VT vs VUG
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 8927 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VT | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $77.6B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 10,133 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +10.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.25% | +18.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.36% | +24.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.17% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.6% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VT vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VT returned +25.25% while VUG returned +18.21%. Year to date, VT is up 14.19% versus a gain of 10.57% for VUG.
Over three years, VT compounded at +20.36% per year against +24.26% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +11.17% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs +7.37%. 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 16.5% for VUG. 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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
VT charges 0.06% per year while VUG 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 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
VT and VUG share 139 holdings out of 8934 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VT | Weight in VUG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 4.14% | 12.60% | 8.46% |
| AAPL | 3.47% | 11.64% | 8.17% |
| MSFT | 2.68% | 7.60% | 4.92% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VT shares with VUG Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VT or VUG?
VT has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VUG charges 0.03%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VT or VUG?
Over the past year VT returned +25.25% vs +18.21% for VUG, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VT annualized +7.37% vs +11.30% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VT or VUG?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: VT -50.6% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VT and VUG?
VT and VUG 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 VT and VUG?
VT and VUG share 139 common holdings with a 30.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8934 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VT or VUG?
VT yields 1.61% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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