VGLT vs EDV: returns, risk and drawdowns compared
Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF against Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF, over the same 16 years (February 2010 to October 2026) with dividends reinvested.
Data updated October 2026
From February 2010 to October 2026, VGLT returned 2.3% a year and EDV 2.3% a year on average, so VGLT came out ahead by 0.1% a year. EDV was the more volatile of the two (19.9% against 12.4% a year), and the deepest falls from a month-end high were 45.5% for VGLT and 59.6% for EDV.
The correlation of monthly returns was 0.98: they moved almost in lockstep. Over 166 rolling 3-year periods, VGLT did better in 41% and EDV in 59%.
Side by side
| VGLT | EDV | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return (CAGR) | +2.3% | +2.3% |
| Total return | +47% | +46% |
| Annual volatility | 12.4% | 19.9% |
| Maximum drawdown (month-end) | −45.5% | −59.6% |
| Worst month | −9.2% | −12.6% |
| Best month | +10.7% | +23.8% |
| Positive months | 50% | 48% |
| Best year | 2011: +29.2% | 2011: +55.9% |
| Worst year | 2022: −29.3% | 2022: −39.1% |
| 1-year return | −7.6% | −14.2% |
| 5 years, a year | −6.5% | −11.9% |
| 10 years, a year | −1.6% | −4.1% |
| Trading currency | USD | USD |
First nine rows: the same 201 months for both funds. Trailing returns: to each fund’s last close.
Growth of 10,000: VGLT vs EDV
Returns by calendar year
| Year | VGLT | EDV |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +5.3% | +0.7% |
| 2024 | −6.3% | −12.8% |
| 2023 | +3.3% | +1.7% |
| 2022 | −29.3% | −39.1% |
| 2021 | −5.0% | −6.2% |
| 2020 | +17.6% | +23.6% |
| 2019 | +14.3% | +18.7% |
| 2018 | −1.5% | −3.4% |
| 2017 | +8.6% | +13.9% |
| 2016 | +1.2% | +1.6% |
| 2015 | −1.0% | −4.9% |
| 2014 | +25.9% | +44.6% |
| 2013 | −12.4% | −19.8% |
| 2012 | +3.3% | +2.4% |
| 2011 | +29.2% | +55.9% |
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
The comparison uses only the months in which both funds have prices, so the figures cover the same period even when one fund is older.
Questions
Which has returned more, VGLT or EDV?
From February 2010 to October 2026, VGLT returned +2.3% a year and EDV +2.3% a year, with dividends reinvested. Over rolling 3-year periods VGLT did better in 41% of cases. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, VGLT or EDV?
Over the same months annual volatility was 12.4% for VGLT and 19.9% for EDV; the deepest fall from a month-end high was 45.5% and 59.6%, and the worst single month −9.2% and −12.6%.
How correlated are VGLT and EDV?
The correlation of their monthly returns was 0.98: they moved almost in lockstep. Holding both adds little diversification compared with holding one.
More comparisons
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.