VTG vs. DDV

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and DDV (Defined Duration 5 ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. VTG is passively managed, while DDV is actively managed. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DDV.

Performance

VTG vs. DDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Defined Duration 5 ETF (DDV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a 0.01% return, which is significantly lower than DDV's 2.21% return.

VTG

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

DDV

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 2.21%
• 6M: 2.67%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTG vs. DDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	0.01%	0.15%
DDV Defined Duration 5 ETF	2.21%	0.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and DDV is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 14, 2025	0.66

Return for Risk

VTG vs. DDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Defined Duration 5 ETF (DDV). 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	DDV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.91	2.04	-1.12

Drawdowns

VTG vs. DDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, which is greater than DDV's maximum drawdown of -1.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and DDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	DDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-1.92%	-0.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.78%	-0.14%	-1.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.74%	-0.35%	-0.39%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	DDV	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51%	2.67%	+0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	2.67%	+0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	2.67%	+0.84%

VTG vs. DDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than DDV's 0.25% 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

VTG vs. DDV - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.20%, more than DDV's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
DDV Defined Duration 5 ETF	1.21%	0.42%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and DDV in my portfolio?

VTG and DDV have a correlation of 0.66, 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 DDV?

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 DDV?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DDV.

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

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 1.21% for DDV.

What is the main difference between VTG and DDV?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Discipline Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.25% for DDV.