FGDKX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FGDKX (Fidelity Growth Discovery Fund Class K) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FGDKX returned 19.18%/yr vs 18.40%/yr for VUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FGDKX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FGDKX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Growth Discovery Fund Class K (FGDKX) 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, FGDKX achieves a 15.00% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 10.86% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FGDKX having a 19.18% annualized return and VUG not far behind at 18.40%.

FGDKX

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 6.89%
• YTD: 15.00%
• 6M: 14.40%
• 1Y: 31.59%
• 3Y*: 25.44%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 19.18%

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)

FGDKX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FGDKX Fidelity Growth Discovery Fund Class K	15.00%	15.23%	30.30%	35.73%	-24.34%	23.03%	43.54%	33.91%	-0.20%	34.68%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	10.86%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between FGDKX 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 (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 12, 2008	0.96

The correlation between FGDKX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FGDKX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGDKX

FGDKX Risk / Return Rank: 45
FGDKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
FGDKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
FGDKX Omega Ratio Rank: 43
FGDKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
FGDKX Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

FGDKX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Growth Discovery Fund Class K (FGDKX) 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.

	FGDKX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.93	+0.07
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.60	+0.09
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.34	+0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	1.90	+0.73
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.04	6.65	+3.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FGDKX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGDKX Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGDKX 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

	FGDKX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.00	1.93	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73	0.71	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94	0.86	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.62	+0.01

Drawdowns

FGDKX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGDKX drawdown since its inception was -55.39%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGDKX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGDKX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.39%	-50.68%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.51%	-16.53%	+4.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.41%	-22.85%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.75%	-35.61%	+5.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.09%	-35.61%	+4.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.28%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.67%	-7.09%	-1.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	4.71%	-1.44%

Volatility

FGDKX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Growth Discovery Fund Class K (FGDKX) has a higher volatility of 4.16% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.52%. This indicates that FGDKX'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

	FGDKX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.16%	3.52%	+0.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.74%	12.05%	+0.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.38%	15.80%	+0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.37%	22.22%	-1.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.60%	21.44%	-0.84%

FGDKX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGDKX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGDKX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FGDKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGDKX Fidelity Growth Discovery Fund Class K	1.43%	1.65%	12.82%	2.63%	3.69%	13.53%	9.71%	4.37%	5.13%	4.92%	0.15%	0.28%
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 FGDKX and VUG in my portfolio?

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

FGDKX has higher volatility (4.16%) compared to VUG (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGDKX dropped -55.39% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGDKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 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.