TLT vs VCIT
TLT vs VCIT · Last updated April 5, 2026
| Metric | TLT | VCIT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $86.79 | $82.74 | — |
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | VCIT |
| Dividend Yield | N/A | N/A | — |
| AUM | $45.4B | $68.5B | VCIT |
Performance Comparison
| Period | TLT | VCIT |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | -1.86% | -0.90% |
| 3M | +0.34% | -0.25% |
| 6M | -0.72% | +0.77% |
| YTD | +0.69% | -0.04% |
| 1Y | -2.29% | +6.05% |
| 3Y | N/A | N/A |
| 5Y | N/A | N/A |
Dividend Comparison
| Ex-Date | Ticker | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2026 | TLT | $0.35 |
| April 1, 2026 | VCIT | $0.34 |
| March 2, 2026 | TLT | $0.30 |
| March 2, 2026 | VCIT | $0.30 |
| February 2, 2026 | TLT | $0.33 |
| February 2, 2026 | VCIT | $0.33 |
| December 19, 2025 | TLT | $0.34 |
| December 18, 2025 | VCIT | $0.34 |
| December 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.32 |
| December 1, 2025 | VCIT | $0.32 |
| November 3, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| November 3, 2025 | VCIT | $0.33 |
| October 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.31 |
| October 1, 2025 | VCIT | $0.33 |
| September 2, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| September 2, 2025 | VCIT | $0.33 |
| August 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| August 1, 2025 | VCIT | $0.34 |
| July 1, 2025 | TLT | $0.33 |
| July 1, 2025 | VCIT | $0.32 |
Key Differences
When choosing between TLT and VCIT, several key metrics help distinguish these two ETFs. The following analysis covers the most relevant data points.
VCIT charges an expense ratio of 0.03%, which is lower than TLT's 0.15%. This 0.12% difference translates to approximately $120.00 per year on a $100,000 investment. Over a 30-year period, the compounding effect of lower fees could result in a difference of roughly $5,400.00.
VCIT is the larger fund with $68.5B in assets under management — roughly 1.5x the size of TLT's $45.4B. Larger AUM generally correlates with higher trading volume, tighter bid-ask spreads, and lower trading costs for investors.
The data above reflects the most recent available information. Market conditions change frequently, and investors should verify current figures before making decisions.
How to Compare TLT and VCIT
- If minimizing costs is a priority, compare the expense ratios: TLT charges 0.15% and VCIT charges 0.03%.
- For liquidity, larger funds with higher AUM typically have tighter bid-ask spreads and more efficient trading.
- Review historical performance across different time periods (1-month to 5-year) to understand how each has performed in various market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TLT or VCIT a better investment?
Whether TLT or VCIT is more suitable depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. TLT and VCIT differ in key metrics like expense ratio, dividend yield, and assets under management. This page provides objective data to help you compare the two.
What is the expense ratio difference between TLT and VCIT?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03%, while TLT charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 investment, this 0.12% difference costs approximately $12.00 per year.
Which fund is larger, TLT or VCIT?
VCIT has $68.5B in assets under management, making it the larger fund. Larger funds tend to have better liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads.
What are the risks of investing in TLT vs VCIT?
Both TLT and VCIT carry market risk — their values can decline during market downturns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consider factors like volatility, sector concentration, and your own risk tolerance when evaluating either investment.
See how expense ratio differences affect your returns over time → Expense Ratio Calculator