FDG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FDG (American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by American Century, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. FDG is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDG returned 13.50%/yr vs 15.71%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDG charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FDG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) 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, FDG achieves a 9.71% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 10.86% return.

FDG

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: 6.55%
• YTD: 9.71%
• 6M: 12.54%
• 1Y: 34.58%
• 3Y*: 30.14%
• 5Y*: 13.50%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 7.37%
• YTD: 10.86%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 30.39%
• 3Y*: 26.46%
• 5Y*: 15.71%
• 10Y*: 18.40%

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

FDG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	9.71%	22.13%	45.89%	37.22%	-35.74%	8.52%	93.61%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	10.86%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	67.27%

Correlation

The correlation between FDG and VUG is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 3, 2020	0.94

The correlation between FDG and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDG	VUG
Technology	37.7%	53.5%
Communication Services	21.5%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	17.1%	12.2%
Healthcare	13.2%	4.6%
Industrials	5.2%	3.6%
Financial Services	4.7%	4.3%
Energy	0.6%	0.4%
Utilities	0.1%	0.9%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Real Estate	-	1.0%

Return for Risk

FDG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDG

FDG Risk / Return Rank: 52
FDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FDG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
FDG Martin Ratio Rank: 49

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 49
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

FDG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) 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.

	FDG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.93	+0.03
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	2.60	+0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.34	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.30	1.90	+0.41
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	8.14	6.65	+1.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FDG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDG 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

	FDG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.97	1.93	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	0.71	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.94	0.62	+0.31

Drawdowns

FDG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDG drawdown since its inception was -43.69%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.69%	-50.68%	+6.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.71%	-16.53%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.14%	-22.85%	-3.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.69%	-35.61%	-8.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.16%	-0.28%	-0.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.44%	-7.09%	-6.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.44%	4.71%	-0.27%

Volatility

FDG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) has a higher volatility of 4.66% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.52%. This indicates that FDG'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

	FDG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.66%	3.52%	+1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.88%	12.05%	+1.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.68%	15.80%	+1.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.67%	22.22%	+2.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.89%	21.44%	+3.45%

FDG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDG has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FDG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	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 FDG and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FDG 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, FDG or VUG?

FDG has higher volatility (4.66%) compared to VUG (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDG dropped -43.69% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, FDG or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.71% vs 13.50% for FDG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDG or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.71% return vs 13.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDG.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.00% for FDG.

What is the main difference between FDG and VUG?

FDG is categorized as Global Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: American Century and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FDG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.93), 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.