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 -1.63%/yr vs 13.18%/yr for VIG. Their -0.21 correlation means they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. VGLT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.
Performance
VGLT vs. VIG - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VGLT achieves a -1.98% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 12.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VGLT has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of -1.63%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.18% annualized return.
VGLT
- 1D
- 0.17%
- 1M
- -2.13%
- 6M
- -1.56%
- YTD
- -1.98%
- 1Y
- -0.89%
- 3Y*
- 0.27%
- 5Y*
- -6.65%
- 10Y*
- -1.63%
- ALL TIME*
- 2.34%
VIG
- 1D
- 0.19%
- 1M
- 2.24%
- 6M
- 8.76%
- YTD
- 12.10%
- 1Y
- 20.57%
- 3Y*
- 16.49%
- 5Y*
- 10.79%
- 10Y*
- 13.18%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.34%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $107.06M | $103.64M | $108.85M | |
| $246.24M | $242.12M | $261.98M |
VGLT vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGLT Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF | -1.98% | 5.35% | -6.28% | 3.27% | -29.34% | -4.98% | 17.57% | 14.30% | -1.54% | 8.64% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 12.10% | 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 0.33, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.33 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.23 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.13 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | -0.05 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009 | -0.21 |
The correlation between VGLT and VIG shifts across timeframes, from -0.21 (all time) to 0.33 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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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.
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 | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -2.16 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -3.04 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.99 | 1.37 | -0.38 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.13 | 2.61 | -2.74 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -0.27 | 10.62 | -10.89 |
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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.
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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 | -7.03% | -7.91% | +0.88% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -13.38% | -14.95% | +1.57% |
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 | -37.83% | 0.00% | -37.83% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -15.28% | -5.47% | -9.81% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.26% | 1.94% | +1.32% |
Volatility
VGLT vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is 2.32%, while Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has a volatility of 2.98%. This indicates that VGLT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VGLT | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.32% | 2.98% | -0.66% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 6.36% | 7.70% | -1.34% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 8.41% | 10.09% | -1.68% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 14.46% | 14.21% | +0.25% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.74% | 16.03% | -2.29% |
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 4.74%, 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 | 4.74% | 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 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VIG has higher volatility (2.98%) compared to VGLT (2.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGLT dropped -46.18% vs VIG's -46.81%.
On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.18% vs -1.63% for VGLT. On fees, VGLT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGLT has been the lower-risk option at 2.32%. 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 13.18% return vs -1.63%. 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 4.74%, 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 (2.05 vs -0.11), 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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