VGVT vs VXUS
VGVT vs VXUS
Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGVT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $39M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.58% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.53% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 18, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VGVT vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGVT returned +2.53% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, VGVT is down 0.58% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.4% 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 -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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGVT charges 0.10% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGVT currently yields 3.96% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VGVT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8003 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 VXUS?
VGVT has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGVT or VXUS?
Over the past year VGVT returned +2.53% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VGVT annualized +2.46% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGVT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.4% for VGVT. Worst drawdown: VGVT -2.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VGVT and VXUS?
VGVT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGVT and VXUS?
VGVT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8003 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGVT or VXUS?
VGVT yields 3.96% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VGVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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