VGIT vs. VTG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGIT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 3-10 Year Index, while VTG is a Intermediate Core Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VGIT vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) 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, VGIT achieves a -0.46% return, which is significantly lower than VTG's -0.11% return.

VGIT

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: -0.46%
• 6M: -0.60%
• 1Y: 3.54%
• 3Y*: 3.40%
• 5Y*: 0.05%
• 10Y*: 1.23%

VTG

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: -0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGIT vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF	-0.46%	2.97%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.11%	2.88%

Correlation

The correlation between VGIT and VTG is 0.96 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.96

Return for Risk

VGIT vs. VTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGIT

VGIT Risk / Return Rank: 27
VGIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VGIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VGIT Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VGIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VGIT 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.

VGIT vs. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT) 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.

	VGIT	VTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.25	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.75	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGIT	VTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.05	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.88	-0.39

Drawdowns

VGIT vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGIT drawdown since its inception was -16.05%, which is greater than VTG's maximum drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGIT and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGIT	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.05%	-2.89%	-13.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.83%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-16.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.39%	-1.89%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-0.73%	-2.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGIT	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.05%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.33%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.38%	3.51%	-0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.38%	3.51%	+1.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.50%	3.51%	+0.99%

VGIT vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VGIT and VTG have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGIT vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

VGIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than VTG's 3.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF	3.87%	3.79%	3.67%	2.73%	1.74%	1.69%	2.23%	2.24%	2.05%	1.67%	1.69%	1.69%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.21%	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 VGIT and VTG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VGIT 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 ETF is better, VGIT or VTG?

Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGIT or VTG?

VGIT and VTG have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

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

VGIT has the higher dividend yield at 3.87%, compared with 3.21% for VTG.

What is the main difference between VGIT and VTG?

VGIT is categorized as Government Bonds, while VTG is Intermediate Core Bond. VGIT tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 3-10 Year Index, while VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index.