VGVT vs. VTI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VGVT is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. VGVT is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past year, VGVT returned 3.46% vs 21.85% for VTI. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VGVT charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

VGVT vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGVT achieves a -0.14% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 10.96% return.

VGVT

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: -0.33%
• 6M: -0.37%
• YTD: -0.14%
• 1Y: 3.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: 1.22%
• 6M: 8.45%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 1Y: 21.85%
• 3Y*: 19.76%
• 5Y*: 12.01%
• 10Y*: 14.67%

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

VGVT vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	-0.14%	3.56%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.96%	10.33%

Correlation

The correlation between VGVT and VTI is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.23

Return for Risk

VGVT vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGVT

VGVT Risk / Return Rank: 34
VGVT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
VGVT Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VGVT Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VGVT Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VGVT Martin Ratio Rank: 29

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 66
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	VGVT	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	1.71	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	2.36	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.31	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.25	2.46	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.30	10.78	-7.47

VGVT vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGVT Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is lower than the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGVT and VTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VGVT vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGVT drawdown since its inception was -2.77%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGVT and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGVT	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.77%	-55.45%	+52.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.77%	-8.92%	+6.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.00%	-0.94%	-1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.77%	-8.00%	+7.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.05%	2.03%	-0.98%

Volatility

VGVT vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) is 1.02%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.08%. This indicates that VGVT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGVT	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.02%	4.08%	-3.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.49%	10.13%	-7.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.24%	12.85%	-9.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.25%	17.51%	-14.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.25%	18.29%	-15.04%

VGVT vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGVT has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI'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. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VGVT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.38%, more than VTI's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	4.38%	2.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.05%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGVT and VTI in my portfolio?

VGVT and VTI have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGVT or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.08%) compared to VGVT (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGVT dropped -2.77% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, VGVT or VTI?

On 1-year performance, VTI leads with 21.85% vs 3.46% for VGVT. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VGVT has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGVT or VTI?

Over the 1-year period, VTI has performed better with a 21.85% return vs 3.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGVT or VTI?

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

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

VGVT has the higher dividend yield at 4.38%, compared with 1.05% for VTI.

What is the main difference between VGVT and VTI?

VGVT is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for VGVT and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.07), 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.