FMAG vs. VUG

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

FMAG (Fidelity Magellan ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FMAG is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FMAG returned 10.17%/yr vs 12.96%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FMAG charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FMAG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Magellan ETF (FMAG) 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, FMAG achieves a 7.34% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 7.73% return.

FMAG

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 1.68%
• 6M: 4.97%
• YTD: 7.34%
• 1Y: 7.21%
• 3Y*: 19.17%
• 5Y*: 10.17%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 2.61%
• 6M: 7.03%
• YTD: 7.73%
• 1Y: 19.25%
• 3Y*: 23.65%
• 5Y*: 12.96%
• 10Y*: 17.80%

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

FMAG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FMAG Fidelity Magellan ETF	7.34%	10.40%	28.52%	31.25%	-26.92%	26.06%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	7.73%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	23.74%

Correlation

The correlation between FMAG 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	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2021	0.94

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

FMAG vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FMAG	VUG
Technology	42.7%	56.5%
Industrials	15.7%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	12.9%	11.6%
Financial Services	12.2%	4.0%
Communication Services	5.6%	15.9%
Healthcare	4.0%	4.6%
Basic Materials	4.0%	0.6%
Utilities	2.3%	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	1.3%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.9%
Energy	-	0.3%

Return for Risk

FMAG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMAG

FMAG Risk / Return Rank: 17
FMAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
FMAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
FMAG Omega Ratio Rank: 16
FMAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
FMAG Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 34
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

FMAG vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Magellan ETF (FMAG) 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.

	FMAG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.44	1.12	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.72	1.60	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.20	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.49	1.16	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.70	3.83	-2.13

FMAG vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMAG Sharpe Ratio is 0.44, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMAG 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

FMAG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMAG drawdown since its inception was -32.93%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMAG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMAG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.93%	-50.68%	+17.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.97%	-16.53%	+2.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.12%	-22.85%	+2.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.93%	-35.61%	+2.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.33%	-3.09%	+1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-7.08%	-1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.05%	4.99%	-0.94%

Volatility

FMAG vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Magellan ETF (FMAG) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.56% and 6.54%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FMAG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.56%	6.54%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.09%	13.81%	-0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.54%	17.08%	-1.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.06%	22.42%	-2.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.75%	21.50%	-1.75%

FMAG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMAG has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMAG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FMAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FMAG Fidelity Magellan ETF	0.08%	0.09%	0.15%	0.34%	0.23%	0.03%	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 FMAG and VUG in my portfolio?

FMAG and VUG have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMAG or VUG?

FMAG has higher volatility (6.56%) compared to VUG (6.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMAG dropped -32.93% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, FMAG or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 12.96% vs 10.17% for FMAG. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FMAG or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 12.96% return vs 10.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMAG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for FMAG.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.39%, compared with 0.08% for FMAG.

What is the main difference between FMAG and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.57% for FMAG and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.12 vs 0.44), 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.