VGSHvsGOVTETF Comparison
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Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) and iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT) belong to the same industry segment: US Government Bonds. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Sovereign. VGSH is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.03%, versus 0.05% for GOVT. VGSH is up 0.57% year-to-date (YTD) with +$3.59B in YTD flows. GOVT performs worse with 0.11% YTD performance, and +$9.95B in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VGSH and GOVT below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
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VGSH vs GOVT performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 06/12/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VGSH GOVT | +0.16%+0.32% | +0.36%-0.10% | +0.57%+0.11% | +3.33%+3.26% | +13.14%+9.02% | +9.39%-2.31% |
| Flows | VGSH GOVT | -$132M+$1.96B | +$800M+$7.67B | +$3.59B+$9.95B | +$6.83B+$15.73B | +$6.67B+$16.75B | +$17.28B+$29.45B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VGSH GOVT | +1.50%+4.01% | +1.26%+3.54% | +1.59%+4.93% | +1.94%+5.68% |
| Max drawdown | VGSH GOVT | -0.49%-1.79% | -0.85%-2.89% | -0.96%-5.43% | -5.75%-16.63% |
| Max drawdown duration | VGSH GOVT | 21d54d | 103d103d | 122d146d | 1013d1773d |
Trading data
VGSH | GOVT | |
Last sale 6/12/2026 at 1:30 PM | $58.16 | $22.71 |
| Previous close 06/11/2026 | $58.18 | $22.73 |
| Consolidated volume 06/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of May 29, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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VGSH | GOVT | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 6/12/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
VGSH | GOVT | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $58.16 | $22.71 |
| 1D performance | -0.03% | -0.09% |
| AuM | $29.10 B | $42.90 B |
| E/R | 0.03% | 0.05% |
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Exposure
Countries
VGSH
USA
99.5%
Other
0.5%
GOVT
USA
99.72%
Other
0.28%
Sectors
VGSH
Sovereign
72.13%
Other
27.87%
GOVT
Sovereign
79.31%
Other
20.69%
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Diversification
VGSH
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
20.24%
GOVT
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
27.43%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of April 30, 2026
VGSH
USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028)
2.25%
USA, Notes 4.625% 30apr2029, USD (Y-2029)
1.41%
US91282CNP22
1.36%
USA, Notes 4.25% 28feb2029, USD (V-2029)
1.32%
USA, Notes 4.125% 31mar2029, USD (W-2029)
1.31%
USA, Notes 4.625% 15jun2027, USD (AP-2027)
1.30%
USA, Notes 4.5% 15may2027, USD (AN-2027)
1.27%
USA, Notes 3.75% 15aug2027, USD (AR-2027)
1.27%
USA, Notes 2.875% 15aug2028, USD (E-2028)
1.26%
US91282CNM90
1.26%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15jan2028, USD (AJ-2028)
1.26%
USA, Notes 2.875% 15may2028, USD (C-2028)
1.25%
US91282CQB09
1.25%
USA, Notes 4.375% 15jul2027, USD (AQ-2027)
1.24%
USA, Notes 1% 31jul2028, USD (N-2028)
1.24%
GOVT
USA, Notes 1.375% 15nov2031, USD (F-2031)
5.29%
USA, Notes 2.625% 15feb2029, USD (B-2029)
2.94%
USA, Notes 2.75% 15feb2028, USD (B-2028)
2.61%
USA, Notes 3.125% 15nov2028, USD (F-2028)
2.09%
USA, Notes 2.875% 15may2028, USD (C-2028)
1.62%
USA, Bonds 1.875% 15feb2051, USD
1.56%
USA, Bonds 2.5% 15may2046, USD
1.54%
USA, Bonds 2.75% 15nov2042, USD
1.51%
USA, Bonds 3.75% 15nov2043, USD
1.42%
USA, Bonds 6.125% 15nov2027, USD
1.41%
USA, Notes 2.25% 15nov2027, USD (F-2027)
1.36%
USA, Notes 2.375% 15may2029, USD (C-2029)
1.08%
US91282CNG23
1.02%
USA, Notes 4% 15feb2034, USD (B-2034)
1.00%
USA, Notes 4% 29feb2028, USD (V-2028)
0.98%
Frequently asked questions about VGSH and GOVT
How have the VGSH and GOVT ETFs performed in 2026?
As of June 12, 2026, VGSH is up 0.57% year-to-date (YTD), while GOVT has returned 0.11%. That puts VGSH better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VGSH or GOVT?
Year-to-date, the VGSH ETF saw +$3.59B in flows, compared to +$9.95B for GOVT.
Which ETF is more volatile: VGSH or GOVT?
Over the past year, VGSH had a volatility of 1.26%, while GOVT experienced 3.54%.
Which ETF is bigger: VGSH or GOVT?
As of June 12, 2026, VGSH holds $29.10 B in assets under management (AUM), while GOVT manages $42.90 B.
What sectors do the VGSH and GOVT ETFs invest in?
VGSH leans toward sectors like Sovereign. Meanwhile, GOVT focuses on Sovereign.
What are the top holdings of the VGSH ETF and GOVT ETF?
VGSH top holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028), USA, Notes 4.625% 30apr2029, USD (Y-2029) and US91282CNP22. GOVT holds in its top three: USA, Notes 1.375% 15nov2031, USD (F-2031), USA, Notes 2.625% 15feb2029, USD (B-2029) and USA, Notes 2.75% 15feb2028, USD (B-2028).
Which ETF is more diversified: VGSH or GOVT?
VGSH holds 91 securities with 20.24% of its assets in the top 15. GOVT has 217 securities and a top 15 weight of 27.43%.
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