GOVT vs VGIT: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, VGIT yields more: 3.64% (dividend yield) against 3.13% for GOVT. VGIT is cheaper to own at 0.03% a year vs 0.05%. Over the same 14 years (Feb 2012 to Oct 2026), VGIT returned 1.4% a year with distributions reinvested, and GOVT 1.2%.
VGITVanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury Index Fund ETF Shares3.64%dividend yield| Compared | GOVT | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| YieldDividend yield | 3.13% | 3.64% |
| Expense ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| Total return, 1 yr | −0.2% | −0.2% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.4% | +4.5% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | −0.6% | +0.2% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +0.8% | +1.2% |
| Worst drop since Feb 2012 | -18.5% | -14.9% |
| Share price since Feb 2012 | −10% | −12% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | iShares | Vanguard |
| Assets | $43.2B | $49.1B |
| Started | 2012 | 2009 |
| Type | Intermediate Government | Intermediate Government |
Higher yield
VGIT
3.64%
Lower cost
VGIT
0.03%
Better total return
VGIT
1.4%/yr
Smaller worst drop
VGIT
-14.9%
Key facts: GOVT vs VGIT
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, GOVT yields 3.13% (dividend yield) and VGIT yields 3.64% (dividend yield).
- GOVT's expense ratio is 0.05% and VGIT's is 0.03%: $5 vs $3 a year on $10,000.
- From Feb 2012 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in GOVT grew to $11,899 (1.2% a year) and $10,000 in VGIT to $12,350 (1.4% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -18.5% for GOVT and -14.9% for VGIT.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GOVT vs VGIT: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/govt-vs-vgit
$10,000 in each, Feb 2012 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values, with the S&P 500 for reference.
GOVT became
$11,899
1.2% a year
VGIT became
$12,350
1.4% a year
Year by year
| Year | GOVT | VGIT |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +3.8% | +7.3% |
| 2024 | +3.0% | +1.4% |
| 2023 | +4.1% | +4.3% |
| 2022 | −13.4% | −10.4% |
| 2021 | −1.1% | −2.6% |
| 2020 | +7.3% | +7.7% |
| 2019 | +7.4% | +6.2% |
| 2018 | +0.2% | +1.4% |
| 2017 | +2.2% | +1.7% |
| 2016 | +0.9% | +0.9% |
| 2015 | +0.9% | +1.6% |
| 2014 | +4.7% | +4.6% |
| 2013 | −2.5% | −2.7% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
GOVT vs VGIT: questions
Is GOVT or VGIT better?
It depends on the job. VGIT pays more today (3.64% vs 3.13%), VGIT costs less, and VGIT has the better total return over Feb 2012 to Oct 2026, with VGIT holding up better in its worst stretch. For income, look at yield and whether the payouts hold up; for growth, total return and drawdowns.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOVT or VGIT?
VGIT, at 3.64% against 3.13% for GOVT as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $364 vs $313 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
VGIT. From Feb 2012 to Oct 2026, it returned 1.4% a year with distributions reinvested, against 1.2% for GOVT. $10,000 became $12,350 vs $11,899.
Which is cheaper, GOVT or VGIT?
VGIT, with a 0.03% expense ratio against 0.05%.
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. VGIT leads on 6 of 8 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.