What is the main difference between EDV and VGLT in terms of duration?

EDV (Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF) holds US Treasury bonds with longer maturities, making it more sensitive to interest rate changes. VGLT (Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF) also invests in long-term Treasuries but with slightly shorter maturities. This means EDV generally has higher volatility and greater potential for price swings compared to VGLT when interest rates change.

How do Treasury ETFs like EDV and VGLT work?

Treasury ETFs such as EDV and VGLT track the performance of US government bonds. Investors buy these funds to gain diversified exposure to long-term government debt without directly purchasing individual bonds. The funds earn interest through coupons, paid as dividends, and may experience capital gains or losses due to changes in bond prices, which are influenced by interest rate movements.

What does 'extended duration' mean for EDV?

Extended duration in EDV refers to its focus on US Treasury bonds with maturities that are longer than those in VGLT. This means EDV holds bonds that are more sensitive to interest rate changes. When rates rise, the value of these bonds typically falls more significantly than shorter-duration bonds. Conversely, when rates fall, EDV may experience larger price increases. This makes it a more volatile option compared to VGLT.

Which fund has a lower expense ratio, EDV or VGLT?

VGLT has an expense ratio of 0.03%, which is 0.02 percentage points lower than EDV’s expense ratio of 0.05%. While the difference appears small, over long investment horizons, even minor fee disparities can impact net returns. A lower expense ratio means less cost drag on the fund’s performance. Investors should consider this when comparing funds with similar objectives, as it directly affects long-term wealth accumulation.

How do EDV and VGLT compare in terms of net assets?

EDV manages $3.8 billion in net assets, while VGLT oversees $10.4 billion. A larger asset base often indicates greater liquidity and lower trading costs, which can be beneficial for frequent trading. However, VGLT’s scale does not necessarily translate to superior performance over EDV, as EDV's extended duration strategy could offer different risk and reward profiles, making them suitable for different investor needs.

What is the dividend yield difference between EDV and VGLT?

EDV offers a dividend yield of 5.36%, while VGLT provides a yield of 4.82%. The higher yield of EDV reflects its focus on extended duration Treasury bonds, which typically pay more interest. However, investors should note that higher yields may come with greater volatility and risk. The income stream from these ETFs is generated through coupon payments on underlying bonds, paid as periodic distributions.

Which fund is better suited for a retirement income strategy?

Both EDV and VGLT can be suitable for retirement income strategies due to their focus on US Treasury bonds. EDV's higher dividend yield of 5.36% might appeal to those seeking enhanced income, while VGLT's yield of 4.82% is still competitive. The choice depends on individual risk tolerance and income needs. EDV's extended duration could provide higher returns but with greater price volatility.

How do interest rates affect EDV and VGLT?

Interest rate changes directly impact Treasury ETFs. When rates rise, the market price of existing bonds with lower yields falls, causing EDV and VGLT's Net Asset Value (NAV) to decrease. Conversely, if rates fall, bond prices increase, boosting NAV. Due to their long-duration exposures, both funds are highly sensitive to interest rate shifts, meaning they can experience significant volatility in response to Fed policy changes.

What economic factors influence the performance of Treasury ETFs?

Economic factors like inflation, recession fears, and Federal Reserve policy significantly influence Treasury ETF performance. Higher inflation expectations can lead to rising interest rates, which decreases bond prices. Conversely, during economic uncertainty or recession, investors often seek the safety of government bonds, potentially boosting their prices. Both EDV and VGLT are sensitive to these macroeconomic conditions due to their long-term focus.

Are EDV and VGLT available for trading in a standard brokerage account?

Yes, both EDV and VGLT are exchange-traded funds, making them available for trading in standard brokerage accounts. You can buy and sell shares throughout the trading day at market prices, similar to stocks. Ensure your brokerage supports ETF trading, and consider factors like trading fees and account minimums. Both funds are widely recognized, facilitating easy liquidity for investors.

How do I interpret the lack of top-10 holdings data for both funds?

The absence of detailed top-10 holdings data for EDV and VGLT means specific composition insights are unavailable. Both funds, being Treasury-focused, likely hold numerous bonds, making individual holdings less significant for performance. For broader context, these funds are considered to have no overlapping top-10 positions, implying distinct portfolios despite similar asset classes. Always refer to official fund documents for the most accurate and up-to-date portfolio information.

What is a key educational takeaway from comparing EDV and VGLT?

This page provides a neutral, factual comparison of EDV and VGLT based on available data. Key differences include expense ratios, net assets, and dividend yields, which affect cost and income potential. Investors should understand how duration, interest rate sensitivity, and portfolio composition differ. This information helps in making informed decisions. Educational content, not financial advice.

EDV vs VGLT

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

This page compares Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT). Review the expense ratios, net assets, dividend yields, and tracking details to understand how each fund operates within the long-term government bond sector. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

EDV

Metric

VGLT

0.05%

Expense Ratio

0.03%

5.36%

Dividend Yield

4.82%

$3.81B

Net Assets

$10.43B

Holdings

103

Dec 6, 2007

Inception Date

Nov 19, 2009

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Index Tracked

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Long Government

Fund Category

Long Government

VGLT costs about $2.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

EDV

Pros

EDV features a low expense ratio of 0.05%, ensuring minimal cost drag for investors seeking extended duration exposure.
The fund generates a high dividend yield of 5.36%, providing enhanced income for investors targeting longer-term treasury assets.
With $3.8 billion in net assets, EDV offers sufficient liquidity and scale for individual and institutional investors to trade effectively.

Considerations

EDV carries slightly higher expense ratio at 0.05%, which marginally increases costs compared to similar Vanguard funds.
The fund lacks detailed data on index tracked, top holdings, and sector weights, making it difficult to fully evaluate.
EDV has lower dividend yield of 5.36% relative to its higher duration risk, which may disappoint income-focused investors.

VGLT

Pros

VGLT features an exceptionally low expense ratio of 0.03%, minimising cost drag for investors seeking long-term treasury exposure.
The fund generates a robust dividend yield of 4.82%, providing attractive income from its long-duration treasury holdings.
With $10.4 billion in net assets, VGLT offers strong liquidity and scale for individual and institutional investors to trade effectively.

Considerations

VGLT provides a lower dividend yield of 4.82% compared to its extended duration peers.
The fund's data on index tracked, top holdings, and sector weights are not available, limiting full evaluation.
VGLT's inception date of Nov 19, 2009 is later than some competitors, resulting in a shorter track record.

About EDV and VGLT

EDV (EDV)

The Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) offers investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of US government bonds with long maturities. As a part of the Vanguard World Fund, this exchange-traded fund (ETF) aims to track the performance of the Treasury market by investing in debt securities issued by the US government. With a low expense ratio of 0.05% and net assets of USD 3.81 billion, EDV is structured to be a cost-effective way for investors to gain exposure to long-duration fixed income. The fund holds 82 individual securities and boasts an inception date of December 6, 2007. It’s important to note that while the fund currently displays a dividend yield of 5.36%, past performance does not guarantee future results, and the value of investments can fluctuate.

VGLT (VGLT)

The Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF, traded under the ticker VGLT, is an exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with exposure to US government bonds with longer maturities. As a part of the Vanguard Scottsdale Funds family, it aims to track the performance of long-term Treasury securities issued by the United States government. This fund falls into the 'Long Government' category, reflecting its focus on bonds with significant time to maturity. Investors should be aware that while these bonds are generally considered lower risk due to the backing of the US government, their prices can fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates. The fund offers a relatively low expense ratio, enhancing potential net returns, and pays out income from the underlying Treasury securities. It's essential to understand that bond ETF values can rise and fall, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

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EDV vs VGLT

Fund Snapshot