VGLT vs. VIG
VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGLT is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index, while VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VGLT returned -1.10%/yr vs 13.23%/yr for VIG. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. VGLT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.
Performance
VGLT vs. VIG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VGLT achieves a -0.41% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 7.57% return. Over the past 10 years, VGLT has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of -1.10%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.23% annualized return.
VGLT
- 1D
- -0.40%
- 1M
- 0.71%
- YTD
- -0.41%
- 6M
- -1.68%
- 1Y
- 5.25%
- 3Y*
- -0.72%
- 5Y*
- -5.30%
- 10Y*
- -1.10%
VIG
- 1D
- -0.19%
- 1M
- 3.79%
- YTD
- 7.57%
- 6M
- 6.99%
- 1Y
- 19.63%
- 3Y*
- 16.49%
- 5Y*
- 10.62%
- 10Y*
- 13.23%
VGLT vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF | -0.41% | 5.35% | -6.28% | 3.27% | -29.34% | -4.98% | 17.57% | 14.30% | -1.54% | 8.64% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 7.57% | 14.17% | 16.99% | 14.51% | -9.80% | 23.76% | 15.43% | 29.62% | -2.08% | 22.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between VGLT and VIG is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.29 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.21 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.11 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.06 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 25, 2009 | -0.22 |
The correlation between VGLT and VIG shifts across timeframes, from -0.22 (all time) to 0.29 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VGLT vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank
VGLT
VIG
VGLT vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.
| VGLT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.38 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.96 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.10 | 1.35 | -0.25 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.75 | 2.49 | -1.74 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 1.96 | 10.06 | -8.10 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| VGLT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.59 | 1.97 | -1.38 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | -0.37 | 0.75 | -1.12 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | -0.08 | 0.83 | -0.91 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.19 | 0.60 | -0.41 |
Drawdowns
VGLT vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VGLT drawdown since its inception was -46.18%, roughly equal to the maximum VIG drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGLT and VIG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VGLT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -46.18% | -46.81% | +0.63% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -7.01% | -7.91% | +0.90% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -17.68% | -14.95% | -2.73% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -40.98% | -20.39% | -20.59% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -46.18% | -31.72% | -14.46% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -36.83% | -0.19% | -36.64% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -15.06% | -5.51% | -9.55% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.68% | 1.96% | +0.72% |
Volatility
VGLT vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) has a higher volatility of 2.59% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.19%. This indicates that VGLT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VGLT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.59% | 2.19% | +0.40% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 5.94% | 7.57% | -1.63% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 8.88% | 10.01% | -1.13% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.58% | 14.23% | +0.35% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.81% | 16.05% | -2.24% |
VGLT vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison
VGLT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VIG's 0.04% 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. VIG - Dividend Comparison
VGLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.61%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF | 4.61% | 4.44% | 4.33% | 3.33% | 2.84% | 1.82% | 2.15% | 2.46% | 2.71% | 2.55% | 2.69% | 3.21% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 1.47% | 1.62% | 1.73% | 1.88% | 1.96% | 1.55% | 1.63% | 1.71% | 2.08% | 1.88% | 2.14% | 2.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
VGLT and VIG have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VGLT has higher volatility (2.59%) compared to VIG (2.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGLT dropped -46.18% vs VIG's -46.81%.
On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.23% vs -1.10% for VGLT. On fees, VGLT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.23% return vs -1.10%. 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 0.04% for VIG.
VGLT has the higher dividend yield at 4.61%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.
VGLT is categorized as Government Bonds, while VIG is Dividend. VGLT tracks Bloomberg U.S. Long Treasury Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VGLT and 0.04% for VIG.
VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 0.59), 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.
Find the right allocation for VGLT and VIG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer