VLGSX vs. TLT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VLGSX (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Admiral Shares) and TLT (iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF) are both Government Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VLGSX returned -1.06%/yr vs -1.66%/yr for TLT. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VLGSX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for TLT.

Performance

VLGSX vs. TLT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLGSX) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLGSX achieves a -0.22% return, which is significantly higher than TLT's -0.27% return. Over the past 10 years, VLGSX has outperformed TLT with an annualized return of -1.06%, while TLT has yielded a comparatively lower -1.66% annualized return.

VLGSX

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: -0.22%
• 6M: -1.36%
• 1Y: 5.60%
• 3Y*: -0.48%
• 5Y*: -4.95%
• 10Y*: -1.06%

TLT

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: 0.81%
• YTD: -0.27%
• 6M: -2.02%
• 1Y: 4.93%
• 3Y*: -1.80%
• 5Y*: -6.31%
• 10Y*: -1.66%

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

VLGSX vs. TLT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VLGSX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Admiral Shares	-0.22%	5.42%	-6.17%	3.66%	-29.48%	-4.99%	17.70%	14.31%	-1.62%	8.65%
TLT iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF	-0.27%	4.25%	-8.05%	2.77%	-31.23%	-4.60%	18.15%	14.12%	-1.61%	9.18%

Correlation

The correlation between VLGSX and TLT is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 24, 2009	0.99

The correlation between VLGSX and TLT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VLGSX vs. TLT — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLGSX

VLGSX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VLGSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
VLGSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VLGSX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VLGSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VLGSX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

TLT

TLT Risk / Return Rank: 16
TLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
TLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
TLT Omega Ratio Rank: 15
TLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
TLT Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

VLGSX vs. TLT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLGSX) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT). 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.

	VLGSX	TLT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.62	0.51	+0.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	0.80	+0.15
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.09	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	0.65	+0.13
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.05	1.63	+0.42
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLGSX vs. TLT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLGSX Sharpe Ratio is 0.62, which is comparable to the TLT Sharpe Ratio of 0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLGSX and TLT, 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

	VLGSX	TLT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62	0.51	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.34	-0.40	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.08	-0.11	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.26	-0.08

Drawdowns

VLGSX vs. TLT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLGSX drawdown since its inception was -46.22%, roughly equal to the maximum TLT drawdown of -48.35%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLGSX and TLT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLGSX	TLT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.22%	-48.35%	+2.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.99%	-7.58%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.67%	-19.18%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.02%	-43.70%	+2.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.22%	-48.35%	+2.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.45%	-40.44%	+3.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.12%	-13.82%	-1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	3.04%	-0.36%

Volatility

VLGSX vs. TLT - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Admiral Shares (VLGSX) and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) have volatilities of 2.64% and 2.76%, 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

	VLGSX	TLT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.64%	2.76%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.08%	6.50%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.94%	9.77%	-0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.55%	15.87%	-1.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.71%	14.91%	-1.20%

VLGSX vs. TLT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLGSX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than TLT's 0.15% 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

VLGSX vs. TLT - Dividend Comparison

VLGSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, which matches TLT's 4.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TLT iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF	4.59%	4.43%	4.30%	3.38%	2.67%	1.50%	1.50%	2.27%	2.63%	2.43%	2.60%	2.61%
VLGSX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.57%	4.41%	4.65%	3.30%	2.80%	1.85%	2.13%	2.45%	2.72%	2.55%	2.46%	2.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLGSX and TLT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VLGSX and TLT 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 is riskier, VLGSX or TLT?

TLT has higher volatility (2.76%) compared to VLGSX (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLGSX dropped -46.22% vs TLT's -48.35%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLGSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.62 vs 0.51), 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.