DARP vs. VONG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DARP (Grizzle Growth ETF) and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. DARP is actively managed, while VONG is passively managed. Over the past year, DARP returned 77.10% vs 21.21% for VONG. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DARP charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VONG.

Performance

DARP vs. VONG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Grizzle Growth ETF (DARP) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DARP achieves a 32.11% return, which is significantly higher than VONG's 3.18% return.

DARP

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 2.84%
• YTD: 32.11%
• 6M: 32.85%
• 1Y: 77.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VONG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -2.46%
• YTD: 3.18%
• 6M: 2.49%
• 1Y: 21.21%
• 3Y*: 22.53%
• 5Y*: 13.53%
• 10Y*: 18.58%

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

DARP vs. VONG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DARP Grizzle Growth ETF	32.11%	40.19%	24.63%	6.25%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	3.18%	18.45%	33.20%	11.72%

Correlation

The correlation between DARP and VONG is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 28, 2023	0.84

The correlation between DARP and VONG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

DARP vs. VONG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DARP	VONG
Technology	49.5%	54.1%
Communication Services	17.2%	12.0%
Energy	8.2%	0.4%
Industrials	7.7%	4.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.6%	12.5%
Utilities	4.6%	1.0%
Basic Materials	3.2%	0.3%
Healthcare	1.4%	6.9%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.5%
Financial Services	-	4.8%
Real Estate	-	0.4%

Return for Risk

DARP vs. VONG — Risk / Return Rank

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

DARP

DARP Risk / Return Rank: 90
DARP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
DARP Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
DARP Omega Ratio Rank: 84
DARP Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
DARP Martin Ratio Rank: 93

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 34
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
VONG Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

DARP vs. VONG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Grizzle Growth ETF (DARP) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG). 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.

	DARP	VONG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.18	1.32	+1.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.59	1.83	+1.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.23	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.56	1.31	+5.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	23.42	4.30	+19.13

DARP vs. VONG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DARP Sharpe Ratio is 3.18, which is higher than the VONG Sharpe Ratio of 1.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DARP and VONG, 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

DARP vs. VONG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DARP drawdown since its inception was -30.27%, smaller than the maximum VONG drawdown of -32.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DARP and VONG.

Drawdown Indicators

	DARP	VONG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.27%	-32.72%	+2.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.82%	-16.23%	+4.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.27%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.72%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.18%	-5.33%	+4.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.64%	-4.88%	+0.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.30%	4.95%	-1.65%

Volatility

DARP vs. VONG - Volatility Comparison

Grizzle Growth ETF (DARP) has a higher volatility of 9.63% compared to Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) at 5.86%. This indicates that DARP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VONG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DARP	VONG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.63%	5.86%	+3.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.67%	12.54%	+6.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.43%	16.12%	+8.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.36%	21.44%	+4.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.36%	20.94%	+5.42%

DARP vs. VONG - Expense Ratio Comparison

DARP has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VONG's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

DARP vs. VONG - Dividend Comparison

DARP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than VONG's 0.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DARP Grizzle Growth ETF	0.33%	0.43%	1.93%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.46%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DARP and VONG in my portfolio?

DARP and VONG have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DARP or VONG?

DARP has higher volatility (9.63%) compared to VONG (5.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DARP dropped -30.27% vs VONG's -32.72%.

Which ETF is better, DARP or VONG?

On 1-year performance, DARP leads with 77.10% vs 21.21% for VONG. On fees, VONG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VONG has been the lower-risk option at 5.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DARP or VONG?

Over the 1-year period, DARP has performed better with a 77.10% return vs 21.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DARP or VONG?

VONG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for DARP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DARP or VONG?

VONG has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.33% for DARP.

What is the main difference between DARP and VONG?

They also come from different issuers: Grizzle and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for DARP and 0.06% for VONG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DARP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.18 vs 1.32), 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.