VGVT vs. VTG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds from Vanguard. VGVT is actively managed, while VTG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGVT charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

VGVT vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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 higher than VTG's -0.11% return.

VGVT

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

VTG

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: -0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VGVT vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	0.11%	3.28%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.11%	2.88%

Correlation

The correlation between VGVT and VTG is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 10, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

VGVT vs. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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	VTG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.17	0.88	+0.29

Drawdowns

VGVT vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGVT drawdown since its inception was -2.77%, roughly equal to the maximum VTG drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGVT and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGVT	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-2.89%	+0.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.76%	-1.89%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-0.73%	+0.06%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VGVT	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.22%	3.51%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.22%	3.51%	-0.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.22%	3.51%	-0.29%

VGVT vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGVT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VTG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGVT vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

VGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, more than VTG's 3.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	3.99%	2.29%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.21%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGVT and VTG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VGVT and VTG 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 ETF is better, VGVT or VTG?

On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGVT or VTG?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VGVT.

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

VGVT has the higher dividend yield at 3.99%, compared with 3.21% for VTG.

What is the main difference between VGVT and VTG?

Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VGVT and 0.03% for VTG.