AFGR vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

AFGR (First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. AFGR is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AFGR returned 7.22%/yr vs 13.78%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AFGR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

AFGR vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFGR achieves a 1.90% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 4.99% return.

AFGR

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 1.90%
• 6M: 1.80%
• 1Y: 12.07%
• 3Y*: 19.38%
• 5Y*: 7.22%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -2.56%
• YTD: 4.99%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 21.15%
• 3Y*: 23.38%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 17.90%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AFGR vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
AFGR First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF	1.90%	17.28%	25.96%	45.21%	-39.18%	13.23%	21.39%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	4.99%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	18.39%

Correlation

The correlation between AFGR and VUG is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 22, 2020	0.95

The correlation between AFGR and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AFGR vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AFGR

AFGR Risk / Return Rank: 19
AFGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
AFGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
AFGR Omega Ratio Rank: 20
AFGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
AFGR Martin Ratio Rank: 18

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 36
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AFGR vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AFGR	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.65	1.29	-0.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.99	1.78	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.23	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.61	1.29	-0.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.74	4.43	-2.69

AFGR vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFGR Sharpe Ratio is 0.65, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFGR and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AFGR vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFGR drawdown since its inception was -45.97%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFGR and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFGR	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.97%	-50.68%	+4.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.89%	-16.53%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.57%	-22.85%	-3.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.97%	-35.61%	-10.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.84%	-5.56%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.30%	-7.09%	-7.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.94%	4.79%	+2.15%

Volatility

AFGR vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 5.45% and 5.73%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFGR	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.45%	5.73%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.45%	13.00%	+1.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.53%	16.46%	+2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.97%	22.30%	+2.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.52%	21.48%	+3.04%

AFGR vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFGR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFGR vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

AFGR has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFGR First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.25%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFGR and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, AFGR and VUG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AFGR or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to AFGR (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFGR dropped -45.97% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, AFGR or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 13.78% vs 7.22% for AFGR. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, AFGR has been the lower-risk option at 5.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFGR or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 13.78% return vs 7.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFGR or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFGR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFGR or VUG?

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for AFGR.

What is the main difference between AFGR and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AFGR and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 0.65), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.