VGLT vs. BTGD

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) and BTGD (STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGLT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index, while BTGD is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by Quantify Funds. VGLT is passively managed, while BTGD is actively managed. Over the past year, VGLT returned 2.22% vs -42.90% for BTGD. At a 0.07 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VGLT charges 0.03%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for BTGD.

Performance

VGLT vs. BTGD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF (BTGD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGLT achieves a -1.75% return, which is significantly higher than BTGD's -35.83% return.

VGLT

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -2.74%
• 6M: -1.08%
• YTD: -1.75%
• 1Y: 2.22%
• 3Y*: -1.13%
• 5Y*: -6.77%
• 10Y*: -1.64%
• ALL TIME*: 2.36%

BTGD

• 1D: 4.01%
• 1M: 0.82%
• 6M: -42.84%
• YTD: -35.83%
• 1Y: -42.90%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 6.49%

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

VGLT vs. BTGD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	-1.75%	5.35%	-6.19%
BTGD STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF	-35.83%	34.62%	29.32%

Correlation

The correlation between VGLT and BTGD is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2024	0.07

Return for Risk

VGLT vs. BTGD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGLT

VGLT Risk / Return Rank: 15
VGLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
VGLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
VGLT Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VGLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VGLT Martin Ratio Rank: 15

BTGD

BTGD Risk / Return Rank: 3
BTGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
BTGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
BTGD Omega Ratio Rank: 4
BTGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
BTGD Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

VGLT vs. BTGD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF (BTGD). 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.

	VGLT	BTGD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.26	-0.74	+1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.44	-0.91	+1.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	0.90	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.32	-0.73	+1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.74	-1.39	+2.13

VGLT vs. BTGD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGLT Sharpe Ratio is 0.26, which is higher than the BTGD Sharpe Ratio of -0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGLT and BTGD, 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

VGLT vs. BTGD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGLT drawdown since its inception was -46.18%, smaller than the maximum BTGD drawdown of -58.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGLT and BTGD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGLT	BTGD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.18%	-58.79%	+12.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.01%	-58.79%	+51.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.52%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.98%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-37.68%	-52.99%	+15.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.22%	-17.44%	+2.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	30.90%	-27.90%

Volatility

VGLT vs. BTGD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is 2.35%, while STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF (BTGD) has a volatility of 15.69%. This indicates that VGLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BTGD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGLT	BTGD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.35%	15.69%	-13.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.25%	47.88%	-41.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.53%	57.94%	-49.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.46%	55.96%	-41.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.75%	55.96%	-42.21%

VGLT vs. BTGD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGLT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than BTGD's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGLT vs. BTGD - Dividend Comparison

VGLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.70%, less than BTGD's 5.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BTGD STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF	5.24%	3.36%	0.19%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	4.70%	4.44%	4.33%	3.33%	2.84%	1.82%	2.15%	2.46%	2.71%	2.55%	2.69%	3.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGLT and BTGD in my portfolio?

VGLT and BTGD have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGLT or BTGD?

BTGD has higher volatility (15.69%) compared to VGLT (2.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGLT dropped -46.18% vs BTGD's -58.79%.

Which ETF is better, VGLT or BTGD?

On 1-year performance, VGLT leads with 2.22% vs -42.90% for BTGD. On fees, VGLT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGLT has been the lower-risk option at 2.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGLT or BTGD?

Over the 1-year period, VGLT has performed better with a 2.22% return vs -42.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGLT or BTGD?

VGLT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for BTGD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGLT or BTGD?

BTGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.24%, compared with 4.70% for VGLT.

What is the main difference between VGLT and BTGD?

VGLT is categorized as Government Bonds, while BTGD is Cryptocurrency. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Quantify Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VGLT and 1.00% for BTGD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.26 vs -0.74), 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.