GLP vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

GLP (Global Partners LP) is a stock, while VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) is Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 10 years, GLP returned 25.64%/yr vs 18.40%/yr for VUG. At a 0.23 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

GLP vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global Partners LP (GLP) 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, GLP achieves a 21.55% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 10.86% return. Over the past 10 years, GLP has outperformed VUG with an annualized return of 25.64%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively lower 18.40% annualized return.

GLP

• 1D: 2.62%
• 1M: 2.15%
• YTD: 21.55%
• 6M: 17.67%
• 1Y: -0.87%
• 3Y*: 25.82%
• 5Y*: 23.07%
• 10Y*: 25.64%

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)

GLP vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLP Global Partners LP	21.55%	-4.39%	17.27%	35.29%	61.23%	60.17%	-6.40%	37.24%	8.06%	-5.21%
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 GLP and VUG is 0.10, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2005	0.23

The correlation between GLP and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.10 (1 year) to 0.23 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GLP vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLP

GLP Risk / Return Rank: 37
GLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
GLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
GLP Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
GLP Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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.

GLP vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global Partners LP (GLP) 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.

	GLP	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.93	-1.97
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.15	2.60	-2.45
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.34	-0.32
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.00	1.90	-1.89
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	0.01	6.65	-6.64
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GLP vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLP Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLP 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

	GLP	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.03	1.93	-1.97
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65	0.71	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68	0.86	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	0.62	-0.29

Drawdowns

GLP vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLP drawdown since its inception was -81.18%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLP and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLP	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.18%	-50.68%	-30.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.22%	-16.53%	-10.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.60%	-22.85%	-7.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.80%	-35.61%	+3.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-62.57%	-35.61%	-26.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.81%	-0.28%	-10.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.03%	-7.09%	-16.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.90%	4.71%	+9.19%

Volatility

GLP vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Global Partners LP (GLP) has a higher volatility of 8.87% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.52%. This indicates that GLP'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

	GLP	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.87%	3.52%	+5.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.51%	12.05%	+8.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.18%	15.80%	+11.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	35.81%	22.22%	+13.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.98%	21.44%	+16.54%

Dividends

GLP vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.15%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLP Global Partners LP	6.15%	7.14%	6.14%	8.48%	6.93%	12.28%	11.30%	10.14%	11.50%	11.08%	9.51%	15.57%
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 GLP and VUG in my portfolio?

GLP and VUG have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLP or VUG?

GLP has higher volatility (8.87%) compared to VUG (3.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLP dropped -81.18% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs -0.03), 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.