VTG vs. CRUX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and CRUX (Columbia Core Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. VTG is passively managed, while CRUX is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for CRUX.

Performance

VTG vs. CRUX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Columbia Core Bond ETF (CRUX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VTG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 0.01%
• 6M: 0.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CRUX

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.06%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTG vs. CRUX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.39%
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	-0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and CRUX is 0.91, 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 Mar 17, 2026	0.91

Return for Risk

VTG vs. CRUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Columbia Core Bond ETF (CRUX). 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

	VTG	CRUX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	-0.08	+1.00

Drawdowns

VTG vs. CRUX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, which is greater than CRUX's maximum drawdown of -1.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and CRUX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	CRUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-1.85%	-1.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.78%	-0.68%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.74%	-0.61%	-0.13%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	CRUX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51%	4.28%	-0.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	4.28%	-0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	4.28%	-0.77%

VTG vs. CRUX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than CRUX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

VTG vs. CRUX - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, more than CRUX's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	1.06%	0.00%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and CRUX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VTG and CRUX 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, VTG or CRUX?

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, VTG or CRUX?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.32% for CRUX.

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

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 1.06% for CRUX.

What is the main difference between VTG and CRUX?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Columbia Threadneedle. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.32% for CRUX.