VGVT vs. CAFX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) and CAFX (Congress Intermediate Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGVT charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for CAFX.

Performance

VGVT vs. CAFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGVT achieves a 0.11% return, which is significantly lower than CAFX's 0.28% return.

VGVT

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAFX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.28%
• 6M: 0.37%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGVT vs. CAFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	0.11%	3.28%
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF	0.28%	2.78%

Correlation

The correlation between VGVT and CAFX is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.71

Return for Risk

VGVT vs. CAFX — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAFX

CAFX Risk / Return Rank: 42
CAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
CAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
CAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
CAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
CAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

VGVT vs. CAFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VGVT	CAFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.37	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	0.91	+0.26

Drawdowns

VGVT vs. CAFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGVT drawdown since its inception was -2.77%, which is greater than CAFX's maximum drawdown of -2.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGVT and CAFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGVT	CAFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-2.63%	-0.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.76%	-0.92%	-0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-0.73%	+0.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.61%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGVT	CAFX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.75%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.84%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.22%	2.89%	+0.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.22%	3.16%	+0.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.22%	3.16%	+0.06%

VGVT vs. CAFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGVT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than CAFX's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGVT vs. CAFX - Dividend Comparison

VGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, which matches CAFX's 4.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF	4.01%	3.92%	0.96%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	3.99%	2.29%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGVT and CAFX in my portfolio?

VGVT and CAFX have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VGVT or CAFX?

On fees, VGVT is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGVT or CAFX?

VGVT is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for CAFX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGVT or CAFX?

CAFX has the higher dividend yield at 4.01%, compared with 3.99% for VGVT.

What is the main difference between VGVT and CAFX?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Congress. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VGVT and 0.35% for CAFX.