AGTHX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

AGTHX (American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. AGTHX is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, AGTHX returned 15.73%/yr vs 17.90%/yr for VUG. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AGTHX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

AGTHX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A (AGTHX) 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, AGTHX achieves a 6.31% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 4.99% return. Over the past 10 years, AGTHX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 15.73%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.90% annualized return.

AGTHX

• 1D: 2.57%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 6.31%
• 6M: 6.89%
• 1Y: 21.16%
• 3Y*: 23.12%
• 5Y*: 11.25%
• 10Y*: 15.73%

VUG

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -3.64%
• YTD: 4.99%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 22.83%
• 3Y*: 23.38%
• 5Y*: 13.78%
• 10Y*: 17.90%

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

AGTHX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AGTHX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A	6.31%	19.73%	28.02%	37.22%	-30.75%	19.32%	37.83%	28.16%	-3.15%	26.14%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	4.99%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between AGTHX 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	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.95

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

Return for Risk

AGTHX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

AGTHX

AGTHX Risk / Return Rank: 28
AGTHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
AGTHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
AGTHX Omega Ratio Rank: 30
AGTHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
AGTHX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

AGTHX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A (AGTHX) 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.

	AGTHX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.29	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.72	1.78	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.23	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	1.29	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.48	4.43	+1.06

AGTHX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AGTHX Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AGTHX 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

AGTHX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AGTHX drawdown since its inception was -51.91%, roughly equal to the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AGTHX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	AGTHX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.91%	-50.68%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.76%	-16.53%	+2.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.57%	-22.85%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.38%	-35.61%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.38%	-35.61%	-0.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.75%	-5.56%	+1.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.19%	-7.09%	-2.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.58%	4.79%	-1.21%

Volatility

AGTHX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A (AGTHX) has a higher volatility of 6.30% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 5.73%. This indicates that AGTHX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AGTHX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.30%	5.73%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.78%	13.00%	-0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.00%	16.46%	-0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.37%	22.30%	-1.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.75%	21.48%	-1.73%

AGTHX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

AGTHX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

AGTHX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

AGTHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.06%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AGTHX American Funds The Growth Fund of America Class A	10.06%	10.69%	8.99%	7.40%	4.05%	8.18%	4.30%	7.15%	11.99%	7.03%	6.61%	8.87%
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 AGTHX and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, AGTHX 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, AGTHX or VUG?

AGTHX has higher volatility (6.30%) compared to VUG (5.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AGTHX dropped -51.91% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.29 vs 1.23), 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.