VTG vs. CRUX

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and CRUX (Columbia Core Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTG is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while CRUX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Columbia Threadneedle. VTG is passively managed, while CRUX is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 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: -0.07%
• 1M: -0.25%
• 6M: -0.29%
• YTD: -0.15%
• 1Y: 3.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CRUX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.27%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 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	-0.19%
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	0.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and CRUX is 0.89, 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 16, 2026	0.89

Return for Risk

VTG vs. CRUX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTG

VTG Risk / Return Rank: 24
VTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
VTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
VTG Omega Ratio Rank: 23
VTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
VTG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

CRUX

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

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.

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.

	VTG	CRUX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.94	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.48	—	—

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%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.89%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.94%	-0.97%	-0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.82%	-0.58%	-0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	CRUX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.10%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.64%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	4.04%	-0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.53%	4.04%	-0.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.53%	4.04%	-0.51%

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 3.54%, more than CRUX's 1.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	1.40%	0.00%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.54%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and CRUX in my portfolio?

VTG and CRUX have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

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 3.54%, compared with 1.40% for CRUX.

What is the main difference between VTG and CRUX?

VTG is categorized as Government Bonds, while CRUX is Intermediate Core Bond. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Columbia Threadneedle. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.32% for CRUX.