GQGIX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

GQGIX (GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund Institutional Shares) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both funds - GQGIX is a Emerging Markets Equities fund managed by GQG Partners, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Over the past 5 years, GQGIX returned 3.24%/yr vs 15.71%/yr for VUG. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GQGIX charges 0.98%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

GQGIX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund Institutional Shares (GQGIX) 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, GQGIX achieves a 6.35% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 10.86% return.

GQGIX

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -2.92%
• YTD: 6.35%
• 6M: 7.00%
• 1Y: 14.14%
• 3Y*: 13.23%
• 5Y*: 3.24%
• 10Y*: —

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)

GQGIX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GQGIX GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund Institutional Shares	6.35%	9.92%	6.19%	28.81%	-20.85%	-2.37%	33.98%	21.08%	-14.70%	30.20%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	10.86%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	26.81%

Correlation

The correlation between GQGIX and VUG is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2017	0.57

The correlation between GQGIX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GQGIX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GQGIX

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

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.

GQGIX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund Institutional Shares (GQGIX) 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.

	GQGIX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.93	-0.64
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	2.60	-0.71
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.34	-0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	1.90	-0.39
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.13	6.65	-1.52
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GQGIX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GQGIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GQGIX 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

	GQGIX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.29	1.93	-0.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22	0.71	-0.49
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	0.62	-0.06

Drawdowns

GQGIX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GQGIX drawdown since its inception was -33.50%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GQGIX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GQGIX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.50%	-50.68%	+17.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.11%	-16.53%	+7.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.74%	-22.85%	+4.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.89%	-35.61%	+5.72%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.20%	-0.28%	-3.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.38%	-7.09%	-4.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	4.71%	-2.03%

Volatility

GQGIX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund Institutional Shares (GQGIX) is 2.97%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 3.52%. This indicates that GQGIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GQGIX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	3.52%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.45%	12.05%	-2.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.32%	15.80%	-4.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.69%	22.22%	-7.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.93%	21.44%	-5.51%

GQGIX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GQGIX has a 0.98% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

GQGIX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GQGIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.00%, more than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GQGIX GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity Fund Institutional Shares	2.00%	2.13%	1.70%	2.71%	5.67%	3.91%	0.24%	1.16%	0.81%	0.25%	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 GQGIX and VUG in my portfolio?

GQGIX and VUG have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GQGIX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (3.52%) compared to GQGIX (2.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GQGIX dropped -33.50% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.29), 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.