VTG vs. VGVT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and VGVT (Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds from Vanguard. VTG is passively managed, while VGVT is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VGVT.

Performance

VTG vs. VGVT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a -0.11% return, which is significantly lower than VGVT's 0.11% return.

VTG

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.11%
• YTD: -0.11%
• 6M: -0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGVT

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VTG vs. VGVT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.11%	2.88%
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	0.11%	3.28%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and VGVT is 0.92, 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 Jul 10, 2025	0.92

Return for Risk

VTG vs. VGVT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT). 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	VGVT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.88	1.17	-0.29

Drawdowns

VTG vs. VGVT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, roughly equal to the maximum VGVT drawdown of -2.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and VGVT.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	VGVT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-2.77%	-0.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-1.76%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.73%	-0.67%	-0.06%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VTG	VGVT	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.51%	3.22%	+0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.51%	3.22%	+0.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.51%	3.22%	+0.29%

VTG vs. VGVT - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VGVT's 0.10% 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. VGVT - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.21%, less than VGVT's 3.99% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
VGVT Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF	3.99%	2.29%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.21%	1.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and VGVT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VTG and VGVT 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 VGVT?

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 VGVT?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for VGVT.

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

VGVT has the higher dividend yield at 3.99%, compared with 3.21% for VTG.

What is the main difference between VTG and VGVT?

Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.10% for VGVT.