CGDG vs. VO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

CGDG (Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGDG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. CGDG is actively managed, while VO is passively managed. Over the past year, CGDG returned 15.36% vs 18.17% for VO. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGDG charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.

Performance

CGDG vs. VO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGDG achieves a 6.59% return, which is significantly lower than VO's 10.43% return.

CGDG

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: 1.37%
• YTD: 6.59%
• 6M: 7.53%
• 1Y: 15.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VO

• 1D: 0.97%
• 1M: 3.61%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 9.31%
• 1Y: 18.17%
• 3Y*: 15.74%
• 5Y*: 7.79%
• 10Y*: 11.77%

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

CGDG vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	6.59%	22.74%	11.52%	10.17%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.43%	11.62%	15.31%	12.81%

Correlation

The correlation between CGDG and VO is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.85

The correlation between CGDG and VO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGDG vs. VO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGDG	VO
Financial Services	20.0%	12.8%
Technology	14.1%	18.6%
Industrials	11.4%	17.9%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	4.8%
Healthcare	8.8%	7.6%
Utilities	8.7%	8.3%
Energy	7.8%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	8.6%
Basic Materials	5.0%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.1%
Real Estate	3.2%	5.4%

Return for Risk

CGDG vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGDG

CGDG Risk / Return Rank: 46
CGDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
CGDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
CGDG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
CGDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
CGDG Martin Ratio Rank: 51

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 49
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

CGDG vs. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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.

	CGDG	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	1.43	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	2.05	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.25	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	2.23	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.69	8.44	-0.75

CGDG vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is comparable to the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGDG and VO, 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

CGDG vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGDG drawdown since its inception was -10.52%, smaller than the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGDG and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGDG	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.52%	-58.87%	+48.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-8.17%	+0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.02%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.57%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.45%	+0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.32%	-7.85%	+6.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	2.16%	-0.15%

Volatility

CGDG vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) is 3.46%, while Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) has a volatility of 4.31%. This indicates that CGDG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGDG	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.46%	4.31%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.54%	9.71%	-1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.88%	12.74%	-1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.18%	17.65%	-5.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.18%	18.96%	-6.78%

CGDG vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGDG has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGDG vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

CGDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.85%, more than VO's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	1.85%	1.95%	2.15%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGDG and VO in my portfolio?

CGDG and VO have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGDG or VO?

VO has higher volatility (4.31%) compared to CGDG (3.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGDG dropped -10.52% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which ETF is better, CGDG or VO?

On 1-year performance, VO leads with 18.17% vs 15.36% for CGDG. On fees, VO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, CGDG has been the lower-risk option at 3.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGDG or VO?

Over the 1-year period, VO has performed better with a 18.17% return vs 15.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGDG or VO?

VO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for CGDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGDG or VO?

CGDG has the higher dividend yield at 1.85%, compared with 1.36% for VO.

What is the main difference between CGDG and VO?

CGDG is categorized as Global Equities, while VO is Mid Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for CGDG and 0.03% for VO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 1.42), 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.