VUSUX vs. VEDTX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VUSUX (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares) and VEDTX (Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund) are both Government Bonds funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VUSUX returned -1.59%/yr vs -4.23%/yr for VEDTX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VUSUX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VEDTX.

Performance

VUSUX vs. VEDTX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSUX achieves a -1.03% return, which is significantly higher than VEDTX's -2.19% return. Over the past 10 years, VUSUX has outperformed VEDTX with an annualized return of -1.59%, while VEDTX has yielded a comparatively lower -4.23% annualized return.

VUSUX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.89%
• 6M: -1.15%
• YTD: -1.03%
• 1Y: 3.78%
• 3Y*: 0.02%
• 5Y*: -6.22%
• 10Y*: -1.59%

VEDTX

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -1.89%
• 6M: -2.54%
• YTD: -2.19%
• 1Y: 2.17%
• 3Y*: -4.81%
• 5Y*: -11.43%
• 10Y*: -4.23%

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

VUSUX vs. VEDTX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VUSUX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	-1.03%	5.66%	-6.30%	3.43%	-29.51%	-4.71%	18.10%	14.26%	-1.80%	8.72%
VEDTX Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund	-2.19%	1.34%	-13.35%	2.15%	-39.40%	-6.52%	24.20%	19.16%	-3.50%	12.69%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSUX and VEDTX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2007	0.98

The correlation between VUSUX and VEDTX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VUSUX vs. VEDTX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUSUX

VUSUX Risk / Return Rank: 6
VUSUX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
VUSUX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
VUSUX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
VUSUX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VUSUX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

VEDTX

VEDTX Risk / Return Rank: 3
VEDTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
VEDTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
VEDTX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
VEDTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
VEDTX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

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. VEDTX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) and Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund (VEDTX). 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.

	VUSUX	VEDTX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.27	-0.00	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.44	0.10	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.01	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.33	-0.00	+0.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.80	-0.01	+0.81

VUSUX vs. VEDTX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VUSUX Sharpe Ratio is 0.27, which is higher than the VEDTX Sharpe Ratio of -0.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VUSUX and VEDTX, 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

VUSUX vs. VEDTX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSUX drawdown since its inception was -46.12%, smaller than the maximum VEDTX drawdown of -60.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSUX and VEDTX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSUX	VEDTX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.12%	-60.00%	+13.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.18%	-12.41%	+5.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.53%	-26.46%	+8.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.34%	-55.15%	+13.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.12%	-60.00%	+13.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-36.65%	-55.03%	+18.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-23.65%	+12.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.94%	5.70%	-2.76%

Volatility

VUSUX vs. VEDTX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares (VUSUX) is 2.51%, while Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund (VEDTX) has a volatility of 4.52%. This indicates that VUSUX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEDTX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VUSUX	VEDTX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.51%	4.52%	-2.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.36%	10.28%	-3.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.68%	14.35%	-5.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.55%	21.82%	-7.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.71%	20.05%	-6.34%

VUSUX vs. VEDTX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSUX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VEDTX's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VUSUX vs. VEDTX - Dividend Comparison

VUSUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.63%, less than VEDTX's 5.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEDTX Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund	5.23%	4.94%	4.68%	3.55%	3.30%	1.96%	5.56%	3.53%	2.94%	2.23%	5.34%	4.28%
VUSUX Vanguard Long-Term Treasury Fund Admiral Shares	4.63%	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 VEDTX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VUSUX and VEDTX 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 VEDTX?

VEDTX has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to VUSUX (2.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VUSUX dropped -46.12% vs VEDTX's -60.00%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUSUX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.27 vs -0.00), 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.