VEDTX vs. VWELX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VEDTX (Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund) and VWELX (Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares) are both mutual funds - VEDTX is a Government Bonds fund managed by Vanguard, while VWELX is a Diversified Portfolio fund actively managed by Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VEDTX returned -3.49%/yr vs 10.32%/yr for VWELX. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. VEDTX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.24%/yr for VWELX.

Performance

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund (VEDTX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEDTX achieves a 0.58% return, which is significantly lower than VWELX's 6.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VEDTX has underperformed VWELX with an annualized return of -3.49%, while VWELX has yielded a comparatively higher 10.32% annualized return.

VEDTX

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: 3.67%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 6M: 0.27%
• 1Y: 3.83%
• 3Y*: -5.37%
• 5Y*: -10.38%
• 10Y*: -3.49%

VWELX

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 6.10%
• 6M: 5.51%
• 1Y: 18.57%
• 3Y*: 15.07%
• 5Y*: 8.63%
• 10Y*: 10.32%

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

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEDTX Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund	0.58%	1.34%	-13.35%	2.15%	-39.40%	-6.52%	24.20%	19.16%	-3.50%	12.69%
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	6.10%	16.54%	14.73%	14.29%	-14.36%	18.99%	10.57%	22.51%	-3.43%	13.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VEDTX and VWELX is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2007	-0.13

The correlation between VEDTX and VWELX shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (all time) to 0.33 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VEDTX vs. VWELX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEDTX

VEDTX Risk / Return Rank: 5
VEDTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
VEDTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
VEDTX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
VEDTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
VEDTX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

VWELX

VWELX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VWELX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VWELX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VWELX Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VWELX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VWELX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund (VEDTX) and Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX). 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.

	VEDTX	VWELX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.30	2.17	-1.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.53	3.02	-2.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.40	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.34	2.86	-2.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.77	12.89	-12.12

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEDTX Sharpe Ratio is 0.30, which is lower than the VWELX Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEDTX and VWELX, 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

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEDTX drawdown since its inception was -60.00%, which is greater than VWELX's maximum drawdown of -36.12%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEDTX and VWELX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEDTX	VWELX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.00%	-36.12%	-23.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.41%	-6.78%	-5.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.95%	-11.98%	-14.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-55.15%	-20.88%	-34.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.00%	-25.33%	-34.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-53.76%	-0.95%	-52.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.57%	-3.92%	-19.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.54%	1.50%	+4.04%

Volatility

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund (VEDTX) is 3.35%, while Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares (VWELX) has a volatility of 3.57%. This indicates that VEDTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VWELX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEDTX	VWELX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	3.57%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.93%	7.32%	+2.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.37%	8.97%	+5.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.83%	11.22%	+10.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	11.57%	+8.55%

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEDTX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than VWELX's 0.24% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VEDTX vs. VWELX - Dividend Comparison

VEDTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.92%, less than VWELX's 10.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEDTX Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund	4.92%	4.94%	4.68%	3.55%	3.30%	1.96%	5.56%	3.53%	2.94%	2.23%	5.34%	4.28%
VWELX Vanguard Wellington Fund Investor Shares	10.90%	11.46%	10.76%	6.01%	8.19%	8.64%	7.77%	4.67%	9.49%	5.82%	4.44%	7.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEDTX and VWELX in my portfolio?

VEDTX and VWELX have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEDTX or VWELX?

VWELX has higher volatility (3.57%) compared to VEDTX (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEDTX dropped -60.00% vs VWELX's -36.12%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWELX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 0.30), 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.