VGVT vs. VTI
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. 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
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VGVT achieves a 0.29% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return.
VGVT
- 1D
- 0.22%
- 1M
- 0.58%
- YTD
- 0.29%
- 6M
- 0.51%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
VTI
- 1D
- -1.39%
- 1M
- -0.84%
- YTD
- 8.82%
- 6M
- 7.71%
- 1Y
- 24.22%
- 3Y*
- 20.62%
- 5Y*
- 11.90%
- 10Y*
- 15.14%
VGVT vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF | 0.29% | 3.56% |
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF | 8.82% | 10.33% |
Correlation
The correlation between VGVT and VTI is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025 | 0.23 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VGVT vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank
VGVT
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
VTI
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 ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.34 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 2.73 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 12.14 | — |
Loading charts...
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.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VGVT | VTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -2.77% | -55.45% | +52.68% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -8.92% | — |
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 DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.57% | -2.85% | +1.28% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.73% | -8.01% | +7.28% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 2.00% | — |
Volatility
VGVT vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VGVT | VTI | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 4.95% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 10.05% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.24% | 12.83% | -9.59% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 3.24% | 17.51% | -14.27% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 3.24% | 18.32% | -15.08% |
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 3.98%, more than VTI's 1.04% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF | 3.98% | 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 | 1.04% | 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
VGVT and VTI have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VGVT.
VGVT has the higher dividend yield at 3.98%, compared with 1.04% for 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.
Find the right allocation for VGVT and VTI
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer