FETH vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FETH (Fidelity Ethereum Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FETH is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the Fidelity Ethereum Reference Rate 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 year, FETH returned -28.45% vs 20.05% for VUG. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FETH charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FETH vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH) 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, FETH achieves a -44.11% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 3.52% return.

FETH

• 1D: -4.17%
• 1M: -19.46%
• YTD: -44.11%
• 6M: -44.07%
• 1Y: -28.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

FETH vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FETH Fidelity Ethereum Fund	-44.11%	-11.37%	-4.68%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	9.16%

Correlation

The correlation between FETH and VUG is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2024	0.52

The correlation between FETH and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FETH vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FETH

FETH Risk / Return Rank: 6
FETH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
FETH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
FETH Omega Ratio Rank: 6
FETH Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
FETH Martin Ratio Rank: 6

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

FETH vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH) 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.

	FETH	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.41	1.19	-1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.20	1.67	-1.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.98	1.21	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.42	1.22	-1.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.70	4.15	-4.85

FETH vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FETH Sharpe Ratio is -0.41, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FETH 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

FETH vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FETH drawdown since its inception was -67.57%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FETH and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FETH	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.57%	-50.68%	-16.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-67.57%	-16.53%	-51.04%
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	-65.81%	-6.88%	-58.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.69%	-7.09%	-26.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	40.48%	4.84%	+35.64%

Volatility

FETH vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH) has a higher volatility of 19.78% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 6.86%. This indicates that FETH'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

	FETH	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.78%	6.86%	+12.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	46.89%	13.44%	+33.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	69.15%	16.91%	+52.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.38%	22.39%	+49.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.38%	21.51%	+50.87%

FETH vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FETH has a 0.25% 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

FETH vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FETH has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FETH Fidelity Ethereum Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	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 FETH and VUG in my portfolio?

FETH and VUG have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FETH or VUG?

FETH has higher volatility (19.78%) compared to VUG (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FETH dropped -67.57% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, FETH or VUG?

On 1-year performance, VUG leads with 20.05% vs -28.45% for FETH. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 6.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FETH or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, VUG has performed better with a 20.05% return vs -28.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FETH or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for FETH.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.00% for FETH.

What is the main difference between FETH and VUG?

FETH is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. FETH tracks Fidelity Ethereum Reference Rate Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FETH and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.19 vs -0.41), 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.