ESGV vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ESGV (Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ESGV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the FTSE US All Cap Choice Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ESGV returned 12.64%/yr vs 15.11%/yr for VUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ESGV charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

ESGV vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) 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, ESGV achieves a 10.74% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return.

ESGV

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 6.08%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 10.73%
• 1Y: 28.04%
• 3Y*: 22.27%
• 5Y*: 12.64%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

ESGV vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ESGV Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF	10.74%	16.48%	24.69%	30.79%	-24.04%	26.55%	25.69%	33.36%	-14.59%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-15.87%

Correlation

The correlation between ESGV and VUG is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2018	0.96

The correlation between ESGV and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

ESGV vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ESGV	VUG
Technology	39.5%	53.5%
Communication Services	13.0%	17.3%
Financial Services	12.3%	4.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	12.2%
Healthcare	9.8%	4.6%
Industrials	4.5%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	1.5%
Real Estate	2.8%	1.0%
Basic Materials	1.9%	0.6%
Utilities	0.2%	0.9%
Energy	0.1%	0.4%

Return for Risk

ESGV vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

ESGV

ESGV Risk / Return Rank: 58
ESGV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
ESGV Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
ESGV Omega Ratio Rank: 61
ESGV Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
ESGV Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

ESGV vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) 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.

	ESGV	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	1.77	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.40	+0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.31	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	1.69	+0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	5.92	+4.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ESGV vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ESGV Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ESGV 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ESGV	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.11	1.77	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69	0.68	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.62	+0.10

Drawdowns

ESGV vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESGV drawdown since its inception was -33.66%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESGV and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESGV	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.66%	-50.68%	+17.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.60%	-16.53%	+4.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.41%	-22.85%	+2.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.81%	-35.61%	+6.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-1.51%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.43%	-7.09%	+0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	4.71%	-2.01%

Volatility

ESGV vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (ESGV) is 3.37%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.83%. This indicates that ESGV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ESGV	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.37%	3.83%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.18%	12.11%	-1.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.35%	15.84%	-2.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.35%	22.22%	-3.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.58%	21.44%	-0.86%

ESGV vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESGV has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

ESGV vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

ESGV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.85%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESGV Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF	0.85%	0.91%	1.04%	1.16%	1.42%	0.95%	1.11%	1.27%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	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 ESGV and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, ESGV 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, ESGV or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to ESGV (3.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ESGV dropped -33.66% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, ESGV or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.11% vs 12.64% for ESGV. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, ESGV has been the lower-risk option at 3.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ESGV or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.11% return vs 12.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESGV or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for ESGV.

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

ESGV has the higher dividend yield at 0.85%, compared with 0.37% for VUG.

What is the main difference between ESGV and VUG?

ESGV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. ESGV tracks FTSE US All Cap Choice Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for ESGV and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESGV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 1.77), 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.