SHY vs VGSH: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, VGSH yields more: 3.76% (current yield) against 3.61% for SHY. VGSH is cheaper to own at 0.03% a year vs 0.15%. Over the same 16 years (Nov 2009 to Oct 2026), VGSH returned 1.4% a year with distributions reinvested, and SHY 1.3%.
| Compared | SHY | VGSH |
|---|---|---|
| YieldCurrent yield | 3.61% | 3.76% |
| Expense ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% |
| Total return, 1 yr | +2.1% | +2.2% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +4.1% | +4.2% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | +2.0% | +2.1% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +1.7% | +1.8% |
| Worst drop since Nov 2009 | -5.4% | -5.2% |
| Share price since Nov 2009 | −3% | −4% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | iShares | Vanguard |
| Assets | $27.4B | $41.2B |
| Started | 2002 | 2009 |
| Type | Treasury ETF | Treasury ETF |
Higher yield
VGSH
3.76%
Lower cost
VGSH
0.03%
Better total return
VGSH
1.4%/yr
Smaller worst drop
VGSH
-5.2%
Key facts: SHY vs VGSH
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SHY yields 3.61% (current yield) and VGSH yields 3.76% (current yield).
- SHY's expense ratio is 0.15% and VGSH's is 0.03%: $15 vs $3 a year on $10,000.
- From Nov 2009 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in SHY grew to $12,513 (1.3% a year) and $10,000 in VGSH to $12,687 (1.4% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -5.4% for SHY and -5.2% for VGSH.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "SHY vs VGSH: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/shy-vs-vgsh
$10,000 in each, Nov 2009 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values.
SHY became
$12,513
1.3% a year
VGSH became
$12,687
1.4% a year
Year by year
| Year | SHY | VGSH |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.9% | +5.1% |
| 2024 | +3.9% | +4.0% |
| 2023 | +4.2% | +4.3% |
| 2022 | −3.9% | −3.8% |
| 2021 | −0.7% | −0.6% |
| 2020 | +3.0% | +3.0% |
| 2019 | +3.4% | +3.5% |
| 2018 | +1.5% | +1.6% |
| 2017 | +0.3% | +0.0% |
| 2016 | +0.8% | +1.1% |
| 2015 | +0.4% | +0.5% |
| 2014 | +0.4% | +0.5% |
| 2013 | +0.2% | +0.3% |
| 2012 | +0.3% | +0.4% |
| 2011 | +1.4% | +1.4% |
| 2010 | +2.3% | +2.3% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
What each holds and how it's taxed
- SHY · Treasury ETF
- Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).
- VGSH · Treasury ETF
- Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies).
General information, not tax advice. Every cash fund by yield →
SHY vs VGSH: questions
Is SHY or VGSH better?
It depends on the job. VGSH pays more today (3.76% vs 3.61%), VGSH costs less, and VGSH has the better total return over Nov 2009 to Oct 2026, with VGSH holding up better in its worst stretch. For cash you may need soon, yield after tax and how easily you can get the money out matter more than past returns.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHY or VGSH?
VGSH, at 3.76% against 3.61% for SHY as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $376 vs $361 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
VGSH. From Nov 2009 to Oct 2026, it returned 1.4% a year with distributions reinvested, against 1.3% for SHY. $10,000 became $12,687 vs $12,513.
Which is cheaper, SHY or VGSH?
VGSH, with a 0.03% expense ratio against 0.15%.
How are SHY and VGSH taxed?
SHY: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). VGSH: Holds U.S. Treasury securities, so its income is generally exempt from state and local income tax (federal tax still applies). General information, not tax advice.
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. VGSH leads on 7 of 7 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.