FGRO vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FGRO (Fidelity Growth Opportunities ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGRO is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. FGRO is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FGRO returned 12.69%/yr vs 15.17%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FGRO charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FGRO vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Growth Opportunities ETF (FGRO) 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, FGRO achieves a 17.03% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.78% return.

FGRO

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 6.72%
• YTD: 17.03%
• 6M: 16.08%
• 1Y: 38.91%
• 3Y*: 29.35%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 5.75%
• YTD: 9.78%
• 6M: 8.99%
• 1Y: 27.72%
• 3Y*: 26.10%
• 5Y*: 15.17%
• 10Y*: 18.25%

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

FGRO vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FGRO Fidelity Growth Opportunities ETF	17.03%	19.61%	32.29%	49.71%	-37.86%	1.72%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.78%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	22.30%

Correlation

The correlation between FGRO 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	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2021	0.95

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

FGRO vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGRO	VUG
Technology	47.1%	53.5%
Communication Services	18.4%	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.3%	12.2%
Healthcare	7.9%	4.6%
Industrials	5.7%	3.6%
Financial Services	4.8%	4.3%
Basic Materials	1.5%	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	1.5%
Real Estate	0.7%	1.0%
Utilities	0.5%	0.9%
Energy	0.2%	0.4%

Return for Risk

FGRO vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 45
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

FGRO vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Growth Opportunities ETF (FGRO) 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.

	FGRO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.76	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.39	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.31	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	1.68	+1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.74	5.90	+4.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FGRO vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGRO Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGRO 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

	FGRO	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.14	1.76	+0.38
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.69	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.62	-0.18

Drawdowns

FGRO vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGRO drawdown since its inception was -44.52%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGRO and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGRO	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.52%	-50.68%	+6.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.23%	-16.53%	+2.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.72%	-22.85%	-3.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.52%	-35.61%	-8.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-1.25%	+0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.26%	-7.09%	-7.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.63%	4.71%	-1.08%

Volatility

FGRO vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Growth Opportunities ETF (FGRO) has a higher volatility of 4.54% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.81%. This indicates that FGRO'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

	FGRO	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.54%	3.81%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.11%	12.11%	+2.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.28%	15.83%	+2.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.33%	22.21%	+3.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.38%	21.44%	+3.94%

FGRO vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGRO has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGRO vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FGRO 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
FGRO Fidelity Growth Opportunities ETF	0.13%	0.14%	0.09%	0.00%	1.50%	0.55%	0.00%	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 FGRO and VUG in my portfolio?

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

FGRO has higher volatility (4.54%) compared to VUG (3.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGRO dropped -44.52% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, FGRO or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 15.17% vs 12.69% for FGRO. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGRO or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 15.17% return vs 12.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGRO or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for FGRO.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.13% for FGRO.

What is the main difference between FGRO and VUG?

FGRO is categorized as Global Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for FGRO and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.76), 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.