VGLT vs VXUS
VGLT vs VXUS
Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VGLT has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGLT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $10.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.51% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.35% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.20% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.36% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -7.14% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VGLT vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGLT returned -1.20% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, VGLT is down 2.35% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VGLT compounded at +0.36% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -7.14% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +0.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -47.1% for VGLT and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGLT charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGLT currently yields 4.51% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VGLT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7953 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, VGLT or VXUS?
VGLT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VGLT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGLT or VXUS?
Over the past year VGLT returned -1.20% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VGLT annualized +0.35% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGLT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.4% for VGLT. Worst drawdown: VGLT -47.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VGLT and VXUS?
VGLT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGLT and VXUS?
VGLT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7953 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGLT or VXUS?
VGLT yields 4.51% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VGLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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