VDIG vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VDIG (Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VDIG is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. VDIG is actively managed, while VEA is passively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VDIG charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

VDIG vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF (VDIG) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VDIG achieves a -0.22% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 10.91% return.

VDIG

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: -0.22%
• 6M: 0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: -3.72%
• 1M: -2.40%
• YTD: 10.91%
• 6M: 13.57%
• 1Y: 27.20%
• 3Y*: 18.26%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

VDIG vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF	-0.22%	3.68%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	10.91%	6.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VDIG and VEA is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	0.66

Return for Risk

VDIG vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 50
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

VDIG vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF (VDIG) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VDIG	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.24	+0.34

Drawdowns

VDIG vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDIG drawdown since its inception was -11.20%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDIG and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDIG	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.20%	-60.68%	+49.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.63%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-4.36%	+2.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-13.29%	+10.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VDIG	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.17%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.88%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.34%	16.09%	-4.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.34%	16.62%	-5.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.34%	17.39%	-6.05%

VDIG vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDIG has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

VDIG vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

VDIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than VEA's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF	0.13%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.71%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDIG and VEA in my portfolio?

VDIG and VEA have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VDIG or VEA?

On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDIG or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for VDIG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VDIG or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 0.13% for VDIG.

What is the main difference between VDIG and VEA?

VDIG is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for VDIG and 0.03% for VEA.