PLW vs. VTG

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

PLW (Invesco 1-30 Laddered Treasury ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds - PLW tracks the Ryan/NASDAQ 1-30 Year Treasury Laddered Index while VTG tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PLW returned 2.96% vs 2.99% for VTG. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PLW charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

PLW vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco 1-30 Laddered Treasury ETF (PLW) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PLW achieves a -0.99% return, which is significantly lower than VTG's -0.26% return.

PLW

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: -0.82%
• 6M: -1.38%
• YTD: -0.99%
• 1Y: 2.96%
• 3Y*: 0.86%
• 5Y*: -3.52%
• 10Y*: -0.36%

VTG

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -0.36%
• 6M: -0.37%
• YTD: -0.26%
• 1Y: 2.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

PLW vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PLW Invesco 1-30 Laddered Treasury ETF	-0.99%	3.83%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.26%	3.07%

Correlation

The correlation between PLW and VTG is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.97

The correlation between PLW and VTG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PLW vs. VTG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

PLW

PLW Risk / Return Rank: 17
PLW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
PLW Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
PLW Omega Ratio Rank: 15
PLW Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
PLW Martin Ratio Rank: 17

VTG

VTG Risk / Return Rank: 27
VTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VTG Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VTG Martin Ratio Rank: 26

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

PLW vs. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco 1-30 Laddered Treasury ETF (PLW) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	PLW	VTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.47	0.85	-0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.72	1.28	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.15	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.54	1.04	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.37	2.70	-1.33

PLW vs. VTG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PLW Sharpe Ratio is 0.47, which is lower than the VTG Sharpe Ratio of 0.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PLW and VTG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PLW vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PLW drawdown since its inception was -32.70%, which is greater than VTG's maximum drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PLW and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PLW	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.70%	-2.89%	-29.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.45%	-2.89%	-2.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.30%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.73%	-2.04%	-20.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.72%	-0.83%	-8.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	1.11%	+1.05%

Volatility

PLW vs. VTG - Volatility Comparison

Invesco 1-30 Laddered Treasury ETF (PLW) has a higher volatility of 1.80% compared to Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) at 1.03%. This indicates that PLW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PLW	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.80%	1.03%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.81%	2.65%	+2.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.37%	3.53%	+2.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.84%	3.53%	+6.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.07%	3.53%	+5.54%

PLW vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PLW has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VTG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PLW vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

PLW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.86%, more than VTG's 3.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PLW Invesco 1-30 Laddered Treasury ETF	3.86%	3.75%	3.56%	2.87%	1.97%	1.15%	1.00%	1.96%	2.14%	2.02%	2.00%	2.14%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.55%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PLW and VTG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, PLW and VTG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PLW or VTG?

PLW has higher volatility (1.80%) compared to VTG (1.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PLW dropped -32.70% vs VTG's -2.89%.

Which ETF is better, PLW or VTG?

On 1-year performance, VTG leads with 2.99% vs 2.96% for PLW. On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTG has been the lower-risk option at 1.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PLW or VTG?

Over the 1-year period, VTG has performed better with a 2.99% return vs 2.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PLW or VTG?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for PLW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PLW or VTG?

PLW has the higher dividend yield at 3.86%, compared with 3.55% for VTG.

What is the main difference between PLW and VTG?

PLW tracks Ryan/NASDAQ 1-30 Year Treasury Laddered Index, while VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for PLW and 0.03% for VTG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.85 vs 0.47), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.