TLT vs VGLT
TLT vs VGLT
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF vs Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VGLT has a lower expense ratio. VGLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGLT offers more diversification with 93 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TLT | VGLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43.0B | $10.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.53% | 4.51% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 100 | |
| YTD Return | -2.68% | -2.35% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.04% | -1.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.34% | +0.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.06% | -7.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 12.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.7% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2002 | Nov 19, 2009 |
TLT vs VGLT Performance
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TLT returned -2.04% while VGLT returned -1.20%. Year to date, TLT is down 2.68% versus a loss of 2.35% for VGLT.
Over three years, TLT compounded at -0.34% per year against +0.36% for VGLT; over five years the annualized figures are -8.06% and -7.14% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, TLT has the edge at +0.81% annualized vs +0.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.4% compared with 12.4% for VGLT. 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 -48.7% for TLT and -47.1% for VGLT. 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TLT charges 0.15% per year while VGLT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TLT currently yields 4.53% against 4.51% for VGLT.
Holdings Overlap
TLT and VGLT share 43 holdings out of 94 unique holdings combined, representing a 47.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in TLT | Weight in VGLT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T 4.75 05/15/55 | 4.57% | 2.24% | 2.33% |
| T 4.75 11/15/53 | 4.61% | 2.15% | 2.46% |
| T 4.625 05/15/54 | 4.50% | 2.21% | 2.29% |
| T 4.125 08/15/53 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.25 08/15/54 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.25 02/15/54 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.625 02/15/55 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 1.875 11/15/51 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 4.5 11/15/54 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T 2 08/15/51 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings TLT shares with VGLT Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TLT or VGLT?
TLT has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VGLT charges 0.03%. VGLT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TLT or VGLT?
Over the past year TLT returned -2.04% vs -1.20% for VGLT, so VGLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), TLT annualized +0.81% vs +0.35% for VGLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TLT or VGLT?
TLT has been the more volatile fund at 13.4% annualized versus 12.4% for VGLT. Worst drawdown: TLT -48.7% vs VGLT -47.1%.
Should I hold both TLT and VGLT?
TLT and VGLT have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 TLT and VGLT?
TLT and VGLT share 43 common holdings with a 47.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 94 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TLT or VGLT?
TLT yields 4.53% while VGLT yields 4.51%, so TLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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