VGLT vs. FNBGX

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) and FNBGX (Fidelity Long-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund) are both Government Bonds funds. Over the past 5 years, VGLT returned -5.50%/yr vs -5.47%/yr for FNBGX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VGLT vs. FNBGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and Fidelity Long-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund (FNBGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGLT achieves a 0.54% return, which is significantly higher than FNBGX's -0.08% return.

VGLT

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 3.15%
• YTD: 0.54%
• 6M: 0.39%
• 1Y: 5.67%
• 3Y*: -0.53%
• 5Y*: -5.50%
• 10Y*: -1.18%

FNBGX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.71%
• YTD: -0.08%
• 6M: -0.07%
• 1Y: 5.16%
• 3Y*: -0.67%
• 5Y*: -5.47%
• 10Y*: —

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

VGLT vs. FNBGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF	0.54%	5.35%	-6.28%	3.27%	-29.34%	-4.98%	17.57%	14.30%	-1.54%	1.90%
FNBGX Fidelity Long-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund	-0.08%	5.30%	-6.18%	3.20%	-29.89%	-5.17%	17.58%	14.24%	-1.62%	1.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VGLT and FNBGX 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 19, 2017	0.99

The correlation between VGLT and FNBGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGLT vs. FNBGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGLT

VGLT Risk / Return Rank: 18
VGLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VGLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VGLT Omega Ratio Rank: 17
VGLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VGLT Martin Ratio Rank: 18

FNBGX

FNBGX Risk / Return Rank: 7
FNBGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
FNBGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
FNBGX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
FNBGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
FNBGX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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. FNBGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and Fidelity Long-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund (FNBGX). 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	FNBGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	0.50	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.01	0.77	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.09	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.81	0.60	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.04	1.52	+0.51

VGLT vs. FNBGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGLT Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is higher than the FNBGX Sharpe Ratio of 0.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGLT and FNBGX, 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. FNBGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGLT drawdown since its inception was -46.18%, roughly equal to the maximum FNBGX drawdown of -46.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGLT and FNBGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGLT	FNBGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.18%	-46.86%	+0.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.01%	-7.28%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.68%	-17.66%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.98%	-41.54%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.18%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.23%	-37.31%	+1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.10%	-21.70%	+6.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.86%	-0.07%

Volatility

VGLT vs. FNBGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is 2.23%, while Fidelity Long-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund (FNBGX) has a volatility of 2.73%. This indicates that VGLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FNBGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGLT	FNBGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.23%	2.73%	-0.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.04%	6.16%	-0.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.68%	8.77%	-0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.57%	14.58%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.82%	14.18%	-0.36%

VGLT vs. FNBGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VGLT and FNBGX 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

VGLT vs. FNBGX - Dividend Comparison

VGLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, more than FNBGX's 4.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNBGX Fidelity Long-Term Treasury Bond Index Fund	4.00%	3.88%	3.75%	3.20%	2.26%	2.47%	3.96%	2.63%	2.93%	0.70%	0.00%	0.00%
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

Can I hold both VGLT and FNBGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VGLT and FNBGX 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 is riskier, VGLT or FNBGX?

FNBGX has higher volatility (2.73%) compared to VGLT (2.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGLT dropped -46.18% vs FNBGX's -46.86%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGLT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.66 vs 0.50), 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.