VIG vs. VFMV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and VFMV (Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while VFMV is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard. VIG is passively managed, while VFMV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VIG returned 10.62%/yr vs 9.82%/yr for VFMV. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VFMV.

Performance

VIG vs. VFMV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIG achieves a 7.57% return, which is significantly lower than VFMV's 8.53% return.

VIG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 19.63%
• 3Y*: 16.49%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.23%

VFMV

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 8.53%
• 6M: 8.37%
• 1Y: 13.05%
• 3Y*: 14.70%
• 5Y*: 9.82%
• 10Y*: —

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

VIG vs. VFMV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.57%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-3.60%
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	8.53%	10.52%	16.91%	8.86%	-5.73%	20.75%	-0.19%	27.26%	-1.10%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and VFMV is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 16, 2018	0.88

The correlation between VIG and VFMV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

VIG vs. VFMV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VIG	VFMV
Technology	26.2%	25.1%
Financial Services	20.6%	10.6%
Healthcare	16.5%	10.1%
Industrials	11.8%	10.1%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	4.7%	6.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.9%
Basic Materials	3.5%	-
Utilities	3.2%	6.7%
Communication Services	0.5%	10.7%
Real Estate	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

VIG vs. VFMV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 56
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VFMV

VFMV Risk / Return Rank: 43
VFMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VFMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
VFMV Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VFMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VFMV Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

VIG vs. VFMV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV). 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.

	VIG	VFMV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.49	+0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.17	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.26	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	2.18	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.06	8.57	+1.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VIG vs. VFMV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is higher than the VFMV Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG and VFMV, 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

	VIG	VFMV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	1.49	+0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	0.84	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	0.69	-0.10

Drawdowns

VIG vs. VFMV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, which is greater than VFMV's maximum drawdown of -33.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and VFMV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	VFMV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-33.64%	-13.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-6.00%	-1.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-10.35%	-4.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	-15.41%	-4.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-1.02%	+0.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.51%	-3.64%	-1.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	1.53%	+0.43%

Volatility

VIG vs. VFMV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) have volatilities of 2.19% and 2.09%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIG	VFMV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.19%	2.09%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.57%	6.30%	+1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.01%	8.80%	+1.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.23%	11.75%	+2.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.05%	14.25%	+1.80%

VIG vs. VFMV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VFMV's 0.13% 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

VIG vs. VFMV - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than VFMV's 1.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	1.93%	2.12%	1.46%	2.20%	2.08%	1.31%	2.14%	2.43%	2.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	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 VIG and VFMV in my portfolio?

VIG and VFMV have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIG or VFMV?

VIG has higher volatility (2.19%) compared to VFMV (2.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs VFMV's -33.64%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or VFMV?

On 5-year performance, VIG leads with 10.62% vs 9.82% for VFMV. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VFMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or VFMV?

Over the 5-year period, VIG has performed better with a 10.62% return vs 9.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or VFMV?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for VFMV.

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

VFMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VIG and VFMV?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while VFMV is Mid Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.13% for VFMV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.49), 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.