VTG vs VTI
Vanguard Total Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $147M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.56% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 286 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.31% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.71% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
VTG vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTG returned +1.71% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, VTG is down 0.31% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 3.2% for VTG. 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 -2.9% for VTG and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTG charges 0.03% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VTG currently yields 3.56% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VTG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3021 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, VTG or VTI?
VTG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTG or VTI?
Over the past year VTG returned +1.71% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VTG annualized +2.26% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 3.2% for VTG. Worst drawdown: VTG -2.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VTG and VTI?
VTG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTG and VTI?
VTG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3021 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTG or VTI?
VTG yields 3.56% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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