VGLT vs. EDV
VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) and EDV (Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF) are both Government Bonds funds from Vanguard - VGLT tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index while EDV tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury STRIPS 20-30 Year Equal Par Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGLT returned -1.21%/yr vs -3.45%/yr for EDV. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VGLT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for EDV.
Performance
VGLT vs. EDV - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VGLT achieves a 0.34% return, which is significantly lower than EDV's 0.88% return. Over the past 10 years, VGLT has outperformed EDV with an annualized return of -1.21%, while EDV has yielded a comparatively lower -3.45% annualized return.
VGLT
- 1D
- -0.67%
- 1M
- 1.89%
- YTD
- 0.34%
- 6M
- 0.36%
- 1Y
- 4.33%
- 3Y*
- -0.80%
- 5Y*
- -5.58%
- 10Y*
- -1.21%
EDV
- 1D
- -1.20%
- 1M
- 3.55%
- YTD
- 0.88%
- 6M
- 0.43%
- 1Y
- 4.03%
- 3Y*
- -5.37%
- 5Y*
- -10.33%
- 10Y*
- -3.45%
VGLT vs. EDV - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF | 0.34% | 5.35% | -6.28% | 3.27% | -29.34% | -4.98% | 17.57% | 14.30% | -1.54% | 8.64% |
EDV Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF | 0.88% | 0.65% | -12.78% | 1.65% | -39.15% | -6.19% | 23.59% | 18.67% | -3.40% | 13.94% |
Correlation
The correlation between VGLT and EDV is 0.98 - 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009 | 0.97 |
The correlation between VGLT and EDV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
VGLT vs. EDV — Risk / Return Rank
VGLT
EDV
VGLT vs. EDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV). 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 | EDV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.22 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.28 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.09 | 1.06 | +0.03 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.62 | 0.32 | +0.30 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.54 | 0.72 | +0.82 |
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Drawdowns
VGLT vs. EDV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VGLT drawdown since its inception was -46.18%, smaller than the maximum EDV drawdown of -59.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGLT and EDV.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VGLT | EDV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -46.18% | -59.96% | +13.78% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.01% | -12.54% | +5.53% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -17.68% | -26.90% | +9.22% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -40.98% | -55.03% | +14.05% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -46.18% | -59.96% | +13.78% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -36.35% | -53.72% | +17.37% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -15.12% | -23.51% | +8.39% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.81% | 5.62% | -2.81% |
Volatility
VGLT vs. EDV - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is 2.09%, while Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) has a volatility of 3.44%. This indicates that VGLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VGLT | EDV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.09% | 3.44% | -1.35% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 6.08% | 9.90% | -3.82% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 8.62% | 14.29% | -5.67% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.53% | 21.58% | -7.05% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.82% | 19.82% | -6.00% |
VGLT vs. EDV - Expense Ratio Comparison
VGLT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than EDV's 0.05% 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
VGLT vs. EDV - Dividend Comparison
VGLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, less than EDV's 4.91% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EDV Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF | 4.91% | 4.94% | 4.65% | 3.81% | 3.28% | 1.95% | 5.54% | 3.51% | 2.90% | 2.92% | 5.32% | 4.24% |
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF | 4.57% | 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
With a correlation of 0.98, VGLT and EDV 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.
EDV has higher volatility (3.44%) compared to VGLT (2.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGLT dropped -46.18% vs EDV's -59.96%.
On 10-year performance, VGLT leads with -1.21% vs -3.45% for EDV. On fees, VGLT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGLT has been the lower-risk option at 2.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VGLT has performed better with a -1.21% return vs -3.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VGLT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for EDV.
EDV has the higher dividend yield at 4.91%, compared with 4.57% for VGLT.
VGLT tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index, while EDV tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury STRIPS 20-30 Year Equal Par Bond Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VGLT and 0.05% for EDV.
VGLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.51 vs 0.28), 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.
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