VWIUX vs VXF
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VXF has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VWIUX | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $86.4B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 15,066 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | -1.81% | +16.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.89% | +24.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.67% | +20.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.82% | +7.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2001 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VWIUX vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VWIUX returned +0.89% while VXF returned +24.93%. Year to date, VWIUX is down 1.81% versus a gain of 16.66% for VXF.
Over three years, VWIUX compounded at +0.67% per year against +20.39% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are -1.82% and +7.03% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs -1.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX and -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VWIUX charges 0.09% per year while VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VWIUX currently yields 3.13% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VWIUX and VXF share 0 holdings out of 5057 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, VWIUX or VXF?
VWIUX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXF charges 0.05%. VXF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VWIUX or VXF?
Over the past year VWIUX returned +0.89% vs +24.93% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VWIUX annualized -1.82% vs +9.04% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VWIUX or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VWIUX -16.1% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VWIUX and VXF?
VWIUX and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VWIUX and VXF?
VWIUX and VXF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5057 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VWIUX or VXF?
VWIUX yields 3.13% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.