EDV vs TLT
EDV vs TLT
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
EDV has a lower expense ratio. TLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. EDV offers more diversification with 76 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | TLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $43.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.83% | 4.53% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | -5.95% | -3.35% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.40% | -1.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -6.01% | -1.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.10% | -8.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -48.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Jul 22, 2002 |
EDV vs TLT Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EDV returned -4.40% while TLT returned -1.06%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.95% versus a loss of 3.35% for TLT.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -6.01% per year against -1.44% for TLT; over five years the annualized figures are -13.10% and -8.15% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, TLT has the edge at +0.79% annualized vs -1.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 13.4% for TLT. 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 -62.0% for EDV and -48.7% for TLT. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while TLT charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $15 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 4.83% against 4.53% for TLT.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and TLT share 0 holdings out of 120 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, EDV or TLT?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while TLT charges 0.15%. EDV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDV or TLT?
Over the past year EDV returned -4.40% vs -1.06% for TLT, so TLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.50% vs +0.79% for TLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or TLT?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 13.4% for TLT. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs TLT -48.7%.
Should I hold both EDV and TLT?
EDV and TLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 EDV and TLT?
EDV and TLT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 120 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or TLT?
EDV yields 4.83% while TLT yields 4.53%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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