VCIT vs. VIG
VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCIT is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VCIT returned 2.93%/yr vs 13.23%/yr for VIG. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.
Performance
VCIT vs. VIG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VCIT achieves a 0.18% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 7.57% return. Over the past 10 years, VCIT has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of 2.93%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.23% annualized return.
VCIT
- 1D
- -0.22%
- 1M
- 0.28%
- YTD
- 0.18%
- 6M
- 0.07%
- 1Y
- 6.13%
- 3Y*
- 6.00%
- 5Y*
- 1.22%
- 10Y*
- 2.93%
VIG
- 1D
- -0.19%
- 1M
- 3.79%
- YTD
- 7.57%
- 6M
- 6.99%
- 1Y
- 19.63%
- 3Y*
- 16.49%
- 5Y*
- 10.62%
- 10Y*
- 13.23%
VCIT vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 0.18% | 9.34% | 3.20% | 8.98% | -13.98% | -1.77% | 9.46% | 14.10% | -1.74% | 5.31% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 7.57% | 14.17% | 16.99% | 14.51% | -9.80% | 23.76% | 15.43% | 29.62% | -2.08% | 22.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between VCIT and VIG is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.43 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.34 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.20 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009 | 0.04 |
Over the past year, VCIT and VIG have become more correlated (0.43) than their long-term average of 0.04, meaning their price movements have been converging.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VCIT vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank
VCIT
VIG
VCIT vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.
| VCIT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.47 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.66 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.27 | 1.35 | -0.09 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.08 | 2.49 | -0.41 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.95 | 10.06 | -3.12 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VCIT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.50 | 1.97 | -0.47 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.19 | 0.75 | -0.57 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.47 | 0.83 | -0.36 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.75 | 0.60 | +0.16 |
Drawdowns
VCIT vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCIT drawdown since its inception was -20.56%, smaller than the maximum VIG drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCIT and VIG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VCIT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.56% | -46.81% | +26.25% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.96% | -7.91% | +4.95% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.11% | -14.95% | +8.84% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.56% | -20.39% | -0.17% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.56% | -31.72% | +11.16% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.36% | -0.19% | -1.17% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.16% | -5.51% | +2.35% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.88% | 1.96% | -1.08% |
Volatility
VCIT vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is 1.38%, while Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has a volatility of 2.19%. This indicates that VCIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VCIT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.38% | 2.19% | -0.81% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.06% | 7.57% | -4.51% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.10% | 10.01% | -5.91% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.61% | 14.23% | -7.62% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.28% | 16.05% | -9.77% |
VCIT vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both VCIT and VIG have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
VCIT vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison
VCIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 4.80% | 4.62% | 4.43% | 3.72% | 3.03% | 2.87% | 2.78% | 3.37% | 3.61% | 3.21% | 3.29% | 3.34% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 1.47% | 1.62% | 1.73% | 1.88% | 1.96% | 1.55% | 1.63% | 1.71% | 2.08% | 1.88% | 2.14% | 2.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VCIT and VIG have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VIG has higher volatility (2.19%) compared to VCIT (1.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCIT dropped -20.56% vs VIG's -46.81%.
On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.23% vs 2.93% for VCIT. Both ETFs have the same 0.04% expense ratio. On volatility, VCIT has been the lower-risk option at 1.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.23% return vs 2.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VCIT and VIG have the same expense ratio: 0.04% per year.
VCIT has the higher dividend yield at 4.80%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.
VCIT is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while VIG is Dividend. VCIT tracks Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index.
VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.50), 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.
Find the right allocation for VCIT and VIG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer