VTEB vs VUG
Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF vs Vanguard Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEB offers more diversification with 3533 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTEB | VUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $46.0B | $223.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.34% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 9,952 | 155 | |
| YTD Return | +0.57% | +10.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.15% | +18.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.20% | +24.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.58% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 16.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.0% | -51.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 21, 2015 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VTEB vs VUG Performance
Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTEB returned +5.15% while VUG returned +18.21%. Year to date, VTEB is up 0.57% versus a gain of 10.57% for VUG.
Over three years, VTEB compounded at +3.20% per year against +24.26% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +0.58% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs +1.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -17.0% for VTEB 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTEB charges 0.03% per year while VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VTEB currently yields 3.34% against 0.47% for VUG.
Holdings Overlap
VTEB and VUG share 0 holdings out of 3679 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, VTEB or VUG?
VTEB has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUG charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTEB or VUG?
Over the past year VTEB returned +5.15% vs +18.21% for VUG, so VUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VTEB annualized +1.27% vs +11.30% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTEB or VUG?
VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 4.9% for VTEB. Worst drawdown: VTEB -17.0% vs VUG -51.4%.
Should I hold both VTEB and VUG?
VTEB and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTEB and VUG?
VTEB and VUG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTEB or VUG?
VTEB yields 3.34% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VTEB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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