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Vanguard is known for offering low-cost, passively managed ETFs that emphasize broad market exposure and long-term investing. The company operates 175 ETFs across diverse fund families including Index, Bond, Equity, Dividend, Income, International, Factor, and ESG strategies, serving investors with various goals from core portfolio building to specialized income generation. Notable for its scale and popular tickers like VB (total U.S. small-cap), BND (total bond market), and VBIAX (international bonds), Vanguard focuses on providing comprehensive, index-based investment solutions with an emphasis on cost efficiency and accessibility.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on VUG and VTI.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
VTI offers the higher yield at 1.15% vs 0.45% for VUG. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VTI is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.03% compared to 0.04%.
They track different benchmarks: VUG is linked to CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VTI is the larger fund by assets ($654B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VUG would generate roughly $3.75/month, while VTI would produce $9.58/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
VUG yield0.45%
VTI yield1.15%
Monthly diff on $10K$5.83
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VUG would cost approximately $40 in fees vs $30 for VTI (simplified, not compounded). The $10.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
VUG ER0.04%
VTI ER0.03%
Strategy & risk
VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index with a growth approach, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index with a basket approach. Beta is 1.24 for VUG and 1.0379 for VTI, indicating VTI is less volatile relative to the market.
VUG beta1.24
VTI beta1.0379
Fund details
VUG is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2004) with $222B in assets. VTI is managed by Vanguard (launched 05/24/2001) with $654B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is VUG or VTI better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VTI currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between VUG and VTI?
VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index with a growth approach, while VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks CRSP US Total Market Index with a basket approach. They are issued by Vanguard and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both VUG and VTI?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, VUG or VTI?
VUG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VTI charges 0.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VUG vs VTI generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in VUG would generate roughly $3.75 per month ($45.00 annually). The same in VTI would produce about $9.58 per month ($115.00 annually).
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