DVQQ vs. VUG

Last updated Aug 1, 2026

DVQQ (WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - DVQQ tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility Triple Qs Index while VUG tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, DVQQ returned 28.24% vs 15.36% for VUG. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. DVQQ charges 0.94%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

DVQQ vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF (DVQQ) 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, DVQQ achieves a 11.17% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.02% return.

DVQQ

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: -2.69%
• 6M: 9.43%
• YTD: 11.17%
• 1Y: 28.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.46%

VUG

• 1D: 1.10%
• 1M: -0.35%
• 6M: 6.39%
• YTD: 5.02%
• 1Y: 15.36%
• 3Y*: 21.19%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 17.38%
• ALL TIME*: 12.08%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
DVQQ WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF	$24.59K	$14.02K	$49.42K
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	$556.11M	$661.72M	$650.91M

DVQQ vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DVQQ WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF	11.17%	18.03%	-7.84%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.02%	19.40%	-4.00%

Correlation

The correlation between DVQQ and VUG is 0.93, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2024	0.93

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

Return for Risk

DVQQ vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DVQQ

DVQQ Risk / Return Rank: 38
DVQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
DVQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
DVQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 37
DVQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
DVQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 28
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DVQQ vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF (DVQQ) 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.

	DVQQ	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	0.72	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	1.10	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.13	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.32	0.78	+0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.88	2.47	+1.41

DVQQ vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DVQQ Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DVQQ 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

DVQQ vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVQQ drawdown since its inception was -25.28%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVQQ and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVQQ	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.28%	-50.68%	+25.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.89%	-16.53%	-1.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.75%	-5.53%	-3.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.17%	-7.08%	-0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.07%	5.20%	+0.87%

Volatility

DVQQ vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF (DVQQ) has a higher volatility of 5.97% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 5.58%. This indicates that DVQQ'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

	DVQQ	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.97%	5.58%	+0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.86%	14.24%	+3.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.44%	17.74%	+6.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.65%	22.49%	+2.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.65%	21.55%	+3.10%

DVQQ vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVQQ has a 0.94% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVQQ vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

DVQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, less than VUG's 0.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVQQ WEBs QQQ Defined Volatility ETF	0.03%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.40%	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 DVQQ and VUG in my portfolio?

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

DVQQ has higher volatility (5.97%) compared to VUG (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DVQQ dropped -25.28% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, DVQQ or VUG?

On 1-year performance, DVQQ leads with 28.24% vs 15.36% for VUG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 5.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DVQQ or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, DVQQ has performed better with a 28.24% return vs 15.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVQQ or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.94% for DVQQ.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.03% for DVQQ.

What is the main difference between DVQQ and VUG?

DVQQ tracks Syntax Defined Volatility Triple Qs Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: WEBs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.94% for DVQQ and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DVQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs 0.72), 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.