VUSUX vs. PGOVX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VUSUX (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares) and PGOVX (PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund) are both Government Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, VUSUX returned -1.04%/yr vs -1.33%/yr for PGOVX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VUSUX charges 0.10%/yr vs 1.05%/yr for PGOVX.

Performance

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) and PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund (PGOVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSUX achieves a -0.39% return, which is significantly higher than PGOVX's -0.47% return. Over the past 10 years, VUSUX has outperformed PGOVX with an annualized return of -1.04%, while PGOVX has yielded a comparatively lower -1.33% annualized return.

VUSUX

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: -0.39%
• 6M: -1.01%
• 1Y: 4.05%
• 3Y*: -0.50%
• 5Y*: -5.24%
• 10Y*: -1.04%

PGOVX

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: -0.47%
• 6M: -1.11%
• 1Y: 4.36%
• 3Y*: -1.29%
• 5Y*: -5.78%
• 10Y*: -1.33%

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

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUSUX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	-0.39%	5.66%	-6.30%	3.43%	-29.51%	-4.71%	18.10%	14.26%	-1.80%	8.72%
PGOVX PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund	-0.47%	6.44%	-7.62%	1.46%	-29.39%	-4.59%	17.83%	13.44%	-2.10%	9.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSUX and PGOVX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 13, 2001	0.98

The correlation between VUSUX and PGOVX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VUSUX vs. PGOVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSUX

VUSUX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VUSUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VUSUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VUSUX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VUSUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
VUSUX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

PGOVX

PGOVX Risk / Return Rank: 8
PGOVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PGOVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
PGOVX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
PGOVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PGOVX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) and PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund (PGOVX). 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.

	VUSUX	PGOVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.61	0.65	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	0.98	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.11	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.77	0.79	-0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.04	2.19	-0.16
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSUX Sharpe Ratio is 0.61, which is comparable to the PGOVX Sharpe Ratio of 0.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSUX and PGOVX, 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

	VUSUX	PGOVX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61	0.65	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.36	-0.40	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.08	-0.10	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	0.50	-0.20

Drawdowns

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSUX drawdown since its inception was -46.12%, roughly equal to the maximum PGOVX drawdown of -46.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSUX and PGOVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSUX	PGOVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.12%	-46.64%	+0.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.18%	-7.60%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.67%	-18.06%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.34%	-41.48%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.12%	-46.64%	+0.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.24%	-38.06%	+1.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.54%	-9.26%	-2.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	2.74%	-0.02%

Volatility

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) is 2.63%, while PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund (PGOVX) has a volatility of 2.94%. This indicates that VUSUX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PGOVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUSUX	PGOVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.63%	2.94%	-0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.07%	6.52%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.06%	9.34%	-0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.62%	14.44%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.76%	13.76%	0.00%

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSUX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than PGOVX's 1.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUSUX vs. PGOVX - Dividend Comparison

VUSUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.58%, more than PGOVX's 4.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PGOVX PIMCO Long-Term U.S. Government Fund	4.13%	3.86%	1.19%	1.05%	2.09%	6.93%	27.91%	2.60%	3.25%	2.88%	3.31%	81.57%
VUSUX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	4.58%	4.39%	4.15%	3.43%	3.05%	4.46%	10.28%	2.92%	2.91%	2.74%	5.38%	5.62%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSUX and PGOVX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VUSUX and PGOVX 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, VUSUX or PGOVX?

PGOVX has higher volatility (2.94%) compared to VUSUX (2.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSUX dropped -46.12% vs PGOVX's -46.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PGOVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.65 vs 0.61), 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.