VGVT vs VTI
VGVT vs VTI
Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGVT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $39M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.33% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.88% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 18, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
VGVT vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGVT returned +1.88% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, VGVT is down 0.33% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.2% for VGVT. 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 -2.8% for VGVT 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGVT charges 0.10% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $3 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGVT currently yields 3.96% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VGVT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2926 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, VGVT or VTI?
VGVT has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGVT or VTI?
Over the past year VGVT returned +1.88% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VGVT annualized +2.66% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGVT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.2% for VGVT. Worst drawdown: VGVT -2.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VGVT and VTI?
VGVT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGVT and VTI?
VGVT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGVT or VTI?
VGVT yields 3.96% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VGVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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