LQD vs. VCLT: Choosing Between Stability and Long-Rate Exposure

Core Insights - The iShares iBoxx Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD) and the Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT) differ significantly in cost, yield, sector exposure, and risk profile, with LQD providing broader diversification while VCLT focuses on higher yield and an ESG screen [2][3] Cost & Size Comparison - LQD has an expense ratio of 0.14% and AUM of $33 billion, while VCLT has a lower expense ratio of 0.03% and AUM of $9 billion [4][5] - As of December 16, 2025, LQD's 1-year return is 5.38% and dividend yield is 4.4%, compared to VCLT's 3.51% return and 5.38% yield [4][5] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, LQD experienced a maximum drawdown of 24.95%, while VCLT had a larger drawdown of 34.31% [6] - The growth of $1,000 over five years is $805 for LQD and $690 for VCLT, indicating LQD's better performance [6] Portfolio Composition - VCLT primarily invests in high-quality corporate bonds with maturities between 10 and 25 years, holding 257 bonds with significant sector exposure in cash and others (15%), healthcare (14%), and financial services (13%) [7] - LQD, in contrast, has over 3,000 holdings, with a concentration in cash and equivalents, and does not apply any ESG screening [8] Investment Implications - Both LQD and VCLT provide exposure to investment-grade corporate bonds but react differently to interest rate changes, with LQD spreading risk across a larger number of bonds and a wider maturity range [11]