VTV vs. VLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VTV (Vanguard Value ETF) and VLU (SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - VTV tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index while VLU tracks the S&P 1500 Low Valuation Tilt Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTV returned 12.48%/yr vs 13.99%/yr for VLU. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VTV charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VLU.

Performance

VTV vs. VLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTV achieves a 12.30% return, which is significantly lower than VLU's 12.99% return. Over the past 10 years, VTV has underperformed VLU with an annualized return of 12.48%, while VLU has yielded a comparatively higher 13.99% annualized return.

VTV

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 4.23%
• YTD: 12.30%
• 6M: 13.12%
• 1Y: 26.25%
• 3Y*: 18.28%
• 5Y*: 11.24%
• 10Y*: 12.48%

VLU

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 3.04%
• YTD: 12.99%
• 6M: 13.61%
• 1Y: 29.22%
• 3Y*: 20.61%
• 5Y*: 11.91%
• 10Y*: 13.99%

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

VTV vs. VLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	12.30%	15.27%	15.95%	9.32%	-2.09%	26.53%	2.33%	25.66%	-5.47%	17.15%
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	12.99%	16.70%	17.24%	17.18%	-8.24%	30.95%	9.91%	26.20%	-7.89%	18.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VTV and VLU 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2012	0.73

The correlation between VTV and VLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (all time) to 0.95 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VTV vs. VLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTV	VLU
Financial Services	22.3%	18.8%
Healthcare	14.5%	11.7%
Industrials	14.0%	8.2%
Technology	13.4%	17.8%
Consumer Defensive	9.4%	7.4%
Energy	8.1%	7.2%
Utilities	5.2%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	10.4%
Communication Services	3.3%	8.8%
Basic Materials	3.1%	2.6%
Real Estate	2.8%	3.4%

Return for Risk

VTV vs. VLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTV

VTV Risk / Return Rank: 79
VTV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
VTV Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VTV Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VTV Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
VTV Martin Ratio Rank: 79

VLU

VLU Risk / Return Rank: 83
VLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
VLU Omega Ratio Rank: 81
VLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
VLU Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

VTV vs. VLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) and SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU). 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.

	VTV	VLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.61	2.70	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.74	3.78	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.49	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.15	4.63	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.69	18.56	-2.87
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTV vs. VLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTV Sharpe Ratio is 2.61, which is comparable to the VLU Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTV and VLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VTV	VLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.61	2.70	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.78	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75	0.78	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.82	-0.30

Drawdowns

VTV vs. VLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTV drawdown since its inception was -59.27%, which is greater than VLU's maximum drawdown of -37.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTV and VLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTV	VLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.27%	-37.39%	-21.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.35%	-6.34%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.52%	-16.22%	+1.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.04%	-19.55%	+2.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.78%	-37.39%	+0.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.49%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-3.74%	-4.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.68%	1.58%	+0.10%

Volatility

VTV vs. VLU - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) has a higher volatility of 2.52% compared to SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) at 2.25%. This indicates that VTV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTV	VLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.52%	2.25%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.55%	7.70%	-0.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.11%	10.90%	-0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.88%	15.40%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	18.09%	-1.42%

VTV vs. VLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTV has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VLU's 0.12% 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

VTV vs. VLU - Dividend Comparison

VTV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.86%, more than VLU's 1.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VLU SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF	1.62%	1.82%	2.00%	2.02%	2.16%	1.86%	1.98%	2.19%	2.57%	1.96%	2.14%	6.37%
VTV Vanguard Value ETF	1.86%	2.05%	2.31%	2.46%	2.52%	2.15%	2.56%	2.50%	2.73%	2.29%	2.44%	2.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTV and VLU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VTV and VLU 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 is riskier, VTV or VLU?

VTV has higher volatility (2.52%) compared to VLU (2.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTV dropped -59.27% vs VLU's -37.39%.

Which ETF is better, VTV or VLU?

On 10-year performance, VLU leads with 13.99% vs 12.48% for VTV. On fees, VTV is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VLU has been the lower-risk option at 2.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTV or VLU?

Over the 10-year period, VLU has performed better with a 13.99% return vs 12.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTV or VLU?

VTV is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.12% for VLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTV or VLU?

VTV has the higher dividend yield at 1.86%, compared with 1.62% for VLU.

What is the main difference between VTV and VLU?

VTV tracks CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, while VLU tracks S&P 1500 Low Valuation Tilt Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VTV and 0.12% for VLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 2.61), 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.