VGSH vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGSH is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year 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, VGSH returned 1.74%/yr vs 13.25%/yr for VIG. At a correlation of -0.11, they often move in opposite directions. VGSH charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

VGSH vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSH achieves a 0.52% return, which is significantly lower than VIG's 7.77% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSH has underperformed VIG with an annualized return of 1.74%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively higher 13.25% annualized return.

VGSH

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.01%
• YTD: 0.52%
• 6M: 0.86%
• 1Y: 3.45%
• 3Y*: 4.16%
• 5Y*: 1.83%
• 10Y*: 1.74%

VIG

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 7.77%
• 6M: 7.94%
• 1Y: 20.63%
• 3Y*: 16.56%
• 5Y*: 10.78%
• 10Y*: 13.25%

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

VGSH vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	0.52%	5.07%	4.00%	4.31%	-3.86%	-0.60%	3.04%	3.52%	1.55%	0.04%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.77%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSH and VIG is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009	-0.11

The correlation between VGSH and VIG shifts across timeframes, from -0.11 (all time) to 0.18 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGSH vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSH

VGSH Risk / Return Rank: 83
VGSH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VGSH Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VGSH Omega Ratio Rank: 89
VGSH Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
VGSH Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 60
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

VGSH vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) 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.

	VGSH	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.69	2.07	+0.62
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.45	3.01	+1.44
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.37	+0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.81	2.67	+1.14
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.25	10.82	+4.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGSH vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSH Sharpe Ratio is 2.69, which is higher than the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSH and VIG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGSH	VIG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.69	2.07	+0.62
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93	0.76	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.11	0.83	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.02	0.60	+0.42

Drawdowns

VGSH vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSH drawdown since its inception was -5.70%, smaller than the maximum VIG drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSH and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSH	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-46.81%	+41.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.88%	-7.91%	+7.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-0.97%	-14.95%	+13.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-5.66%	-20.39%	+14.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-5.70%	-31.72%	+26.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	0.00%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-5.52%	+4.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.22%	1.96%	-1.74%

Volatility

VGSH vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is 0.36%, while Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has a volatility of 2.32%. This indicates that VGSH 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.

Volatility by Period

	VGSH	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.36%	2.32%	-1.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.88%	7.64%	-6.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.29%	10.01%	-8.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.97%	14.23%	-12.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.57%	16.05%	-14.48%

VGSH vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSH 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

VGSH vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

VGSH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.87%, more than VIG's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGSH Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF	3.87%	4.00%	4.18%	3.31%	1.15%	0.66%	1.74%	2.28%	1.79%	1.10%	0.84%	0.69%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.46%	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

Can I hold both VGSH and VIG in my portfolio?

VGSH and VIG have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSH or VIG?

VIG has higher volatility (2.32%) compared to VGSH (0.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSH dropped -5.70% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which ETF is better, VGSH or VIG?

On 10-year performance, VIG leads with 13.25% vs 1.74% for VGSH. On fees, VGSH is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGSH has been the lower-risk option at 0.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGSH or VIG?

Over the 10-year period, VIG has performed better with a 13.25% return vs 1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGSH or VIG?

VGSH is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.04% for VIG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGSH or VIG?

VGSH has the higher dividend yield at 3.87%, compared with 1.46% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VGSH and VIG?

VGSH is categorized as Government Bonds, while VIG is Dividend. VGSH tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 1-3 Year Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VGSH and 0.04% for VIG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.69 vs 2.07), 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.