AFMC vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AFMC (First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AFMC is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by First Trust, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. AFMC is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AFMC returned 11.23%/yr vs 13.40%/yr for VUG. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. AFMC charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

AFMC vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) 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, AFMC achieves a 18.08% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return.

AFMC

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 18.08%
• 6M: 15.62%
• 1Y: 30.69%
• 3Y*: 20.43%
• 5Y*: 11.23%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

AFMC vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
AFMC First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF	18.08%	10.23%	19.06%	21.46%	-15.55%	25.75%	5.87%	1.97%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	4.79%

Correlation

The correlation between AFMC and VUG is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2019	0.66

The correlation between AFMC and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.68 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

AFMC vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AFMC	VUG
Technology	20.9%	53.5%
Industrials	20.7%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	12.2%
Financial Services	12.8%	4.3%
Healthcare	9.3%	4.6%
Real Estate	6.7%	1.0%
Energy	5.4%	0.4%
Basic Materials	5.3%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	1.5%
Communication Services	1.6%	17.3%
Utilities	1.1%	0.9%

Return for Risk

AFMC vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFMC

AFMC Risk / Return Rank: 68
AFMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
AFMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
AFMC Omega Ratio Rank: 59
AFMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
AFMC Martin Ratio Rank: 74

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

AFMC vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) 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.

	AFMC	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	1.44	+0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	1.97	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.25	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.76	1.46	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.54	4.99	+8.56

AFMC vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFMC Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFMC 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

AFMC vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFMC drawdown since its inception was -42.14%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFMC and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFMC	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.14%	-50.68%	+8.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.20%	-16.53%	+8.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.99%	-22.85%	+0.86%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.40%	-35.61%	+10.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-4.86%	+4.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.56%	-7.09%	-0.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.27%	4.82%	-2.55%

Volatility

AFMC vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) is 4.54%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.55%. This indicates that AFMC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFMC	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.54%	6.55%	-2.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.30%	13.32%	-2.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.22%	16.80%	-1.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.96%	22.36%	-3.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.89%	21.53%	+1.36%

AFMC vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

AFMC vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

AFMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AFMC First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF	0.77%	0.96%	0.64%	0.87%	1.42%	0.84%	1.05%	0.29%	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 AFMC and VUG in my portfolio?

AFMC and VUG have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AFMC or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to AFMC (4.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFMC dropped -42.14% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, AFMC or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 13.40% vs 11.23% for AFMC. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, AFMC has been the lower-risk option at 4.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFMC or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 13.40% return vs 11.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFMC or VUG?

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

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

AFMC has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between AFMC and VUG?

AFMC is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for AFMC and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFMC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.44), 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.