CGUS vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CGUS (Capital Group Core Equity ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. CGUS is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CGUS returned 22.34%/yr vs 22.07%/yr for VTI. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. CGUS charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

CGUS vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGUS achieves a 9.93% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 11.20% return.

CGUS

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 3.74%
• YTD: 9.93%
• 6M: 10.08%
• 1Y: 25.53%
• 3Y*: 22.34%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 4.99%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 11.09%
• 1Y: 28.18%
• 3Y*: 22.07%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

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

CGUS vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CGUS Capital Group Core Equity ETF	9.93%	16.21%	24.89%	27.72%	-7.94%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.20%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-10.29%

Correlation

The correlation between CGUS and VTI is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.97

The correlation between CGUS and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGUS vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGUS	VTI
Technology	38.4%	33.5%
Financial Services	10.8%	12.0%
Communication Services	9.9%	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	10.0%
Industrials	9.6%	9.8%
Healthcare	8.3%	9.2%
Energy	3.7%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	4.7%
Basic Materials	2.5%	2.0%
Real Estate	2.1%	2.4%
Utilities	1.7%	2.3%

Return for Risk

CGUS vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

CGUS

CGUS Risk / Return Rank: 60
CGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
CGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
CGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 61
CGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
CGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

CGUS vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	CGUS	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.08	2.33	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.83	3.18	-0.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.42	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.67	3.17	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.44	14.62	-2.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGUS vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.08, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGUS and VTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CGUS	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08	2.33	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.82	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.97	0.51	+0.47

Drawdowns

CGUS vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGUS drawdown since its inception was -21.86%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGUS and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGUS	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.86%	-55.45%	+33.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-8.92%	-0.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.06%	-19.30%	+1.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.36%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.72%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.65%	-8.03%	+3.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	1.93%	+0.13%

Volatility

CGUS vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 2.89% and 2.96%, 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

	CGUS	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.89%	2.96%	-0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.46%	9.13%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.33%	12.17%	+0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.38%	17.40%	-1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.38%	18.30%	-1.92%

CGUS vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGUS has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGUS vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

CGUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGUS Capital Group Core Equity ETF	0.87%	0.95%	1.02%	1.22%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGUS and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, CGUS and VTI 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, CGUS or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (2.96%) compared to CGUS (2.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGUS dropped -21.86% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, CGUS or VTI?

On 3-year performance, CGUS leads with 22.34% vs 22.07% for VTI. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGUS or VTI?

Over the 3-year period, CGUS has performed better with a 22.34% return vs 22.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGUS or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CGUS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGUS or VTI?

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.87% for CGUS.

What is the main difference between CGUS and VTI?

They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CGUS and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 2.08), 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.