VGT vs VTI
VGT vs VTI
Vanguard Information Technology ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $146.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 324 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +28.81% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.78% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.78% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.33% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
VGT vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGT returned +40.78% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, VGT is up 28.81% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, VGT compounded at +31.78% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +19.33% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VGT has the edge at +14.36% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -54.8% for VGT 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGT charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGT currently yields 0.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VGT and VTI share 264 holdings out of 2841 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VGT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 16.09% | 6.32% | 9.77% |
| AAPL | 14.32% | 5.84% | 8.48% |
| MSFT | 8.28% | 3.81% | 4.47% |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| INTC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VGT shares with VTI 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, VGT or VTI?
VGT has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGT or VTI?
Over the past year VGT returned +40.78% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VGT annualized +14.36% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGT or VTI?
VGT has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VGT -54.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VGT and VTI?
VGT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VGT and VTI?
VGT and VTI share 264 common holdings with a 34.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2841 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGT or VTI?
VGT yields 0.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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