VTG vs. VOOG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) and VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTG is a Government Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VTG returned 2.81% vs 23.89% for VOOG. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VTG charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VOOG.

Performance

VTG vs. VOOG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTG achieves a -0.43% return, which is significantly lower than VOOG's 10.97% return.

VTG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: -0.53%
• 6M: -0.49%
• YTD: -0.43%
• 1Y: 2.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOOG

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 1.18%
• 6M: 9.32%
• YTD: 10.97%
• 1Y: 23.89%
• 3Y*: 25.02%
• 5Y*: 13.53%
• 10Y*: 17.54%

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

VTG vs. VOOG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	-0.43%	3.07%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	10.97%	12.48%

Correlation

The correlation between VTG and VOOG is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.17

Return for Risk

VTG vs. VOOG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTG

VTG Risk / Return Rank: 26
VTG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VTG Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
VTG Omega Ratio Rank: 24
VTG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VTG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

VOOG

VOOG Risk / Return Rank: 48
VOOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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. VOOG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) and Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG). 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	VOOG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.80	1.39	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	1.95	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.25	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	1.75	-0.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.56	6.71	-4.15

VTG vs. VOOG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTG Sharpe Ratio is 0.80, which is lower than the VOOG Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTG and VOOG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VTG vs. VOOG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTG drawdown since its inception was -2.89%, smaller than the maximum VOOG drawdown of -32.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTG and VOOG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTG	VOOG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.89%	-32.73%	+29.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.89%	-13.71%	+10.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.18%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.73%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.21%	-3.52%	+1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.83%	-4.96%	+4.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.10%	3.57%	-2.47%

Volatility

VTG vs. VOOG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) is 1.13%, while Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) has a volatility of 6.38%. This indicates that VTG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VOOG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTG	VOOG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.13%	6.38%	-5.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.64%	14.21%	-11.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53%	17.26%	-13.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.53%	21.43%	-17.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.53%	20.81%	-17.28%

VTG vs. VOOG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTG has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VOOG's 0.07% 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. VOOG - Dividend Comparison

VTG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, more than VOOG's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.46%	0.49%	0.49%	1.12%	0.93%	0.53%	0.88%	1.26%	1.34%	1.32%	1.47%	1.56%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.55%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTG and VOOG in my portfolio?

VTG and VOOG have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTG or VOOG?

VOOG has higher volatility (6.38%) compared to VTG (1.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTG dropped -2.89% vs VOOG's -32.73%.

Which ETF is better, VTG or VOOG?

On 1-year performance, VOOG leads with 23.89% vs 2.81% for VTG. On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTG has been the lower-risk option at 1.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTG or VOOG?

Over the 1-year period, VOOG has performed better with a 23.89% return vs 2.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTG or VOOG?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.07% for VOOG.

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

VTG has the higher dividend yield at 3.55%, compared with 0.46% for VOOG.

What is the main difference between VTG and VOOG?

VTG is categorized as Government Bonds, while VOOG is S&P 500. VTG tracks Bloomberg U.S. Treasury Total Return Unhedged USD Index, while VOOG tracks S&P 500 Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTG and 0.07% for VOOG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 0.80), 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.