GQQQ vs. VUG

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

GQQQ (Astoria US Quality Growth Kings ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GQQQ is a Quality Factor fund actively managed by Astoria, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. GQQQ is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past year, GQQQ returned 31.34% vs 18.35% for VUG. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. GQQQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

GQQQ vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Astoria US Quality Growth Kings ETF (GQQQ) 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, GQQQ achieves a 20.73% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.81% return.

GQQQ

• 1D: 2.37%
• 1M: 2.54%
• 6M: 17.66%
• YTD: 20.73%
• 1Y: 31.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.85%

VUG

• 1D: 2.31%
• 1M: 4.20%
• 6M: 13.15%
• YTD: 9.81%
• 1Y: 18.35%
• 3Y*: 24.22%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: 17.79%
• ALL TIME*: 12.30%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GQQQ Astoria US Quality Growth Kings ETF	$376.02K	$626.74K	$598.32K
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	$557.36M	$649.80M	$660.09M

GQQQ vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GQQQ Astoria US Quality Growth Kings ETF	20.73%	17.37%	1.52%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.81%	19.40%	7.04%

Correlation

The correlation between GQQQ and VUG is 0.92, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2024	0.93

The correlation between GQQQ and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GQQQ vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

GQQQ

GQQQ Risk / Return Rank: 67
GQQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
GQQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
GQQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 59
GQQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
GQQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 35
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

GQQQ vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Astoria US Quality Growth Kings ETF (GQQQ) 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.

	GQQQ	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	1.04	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	1.51	+0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.19	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	1.12	+1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.87	3.54	+7.34

GQQQ vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GQQQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GQQQ 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

GQQQ vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GQQQ drawdown since its inception was -22.36%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GQQQ and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GQQQ	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.36%	-50.68%	+28.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.02%	-16.53%	+5.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.08%	-1.22%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.13%	-7.08%	+3.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	5.20%	-2.31%

Volatility

GQQQ vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Astoria US Quality Growth Kings ETF (GQQQ) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.31% and 6.22%, 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

	GQQQ	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.31%	6.22%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.43%	14.55%	+0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.45%	17.86%	+0.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.78%	22.55%	-1.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.78%	21.58%	-0.80%

GQQQ vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GQQQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

GQQQ vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GQQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GQQQ Astoria US Quality Growth Kings ETF	0.45%	0.46%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	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 GQQQ and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, GQQQ 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, GQQQ or VUG?

GQQQ has higher volatility (6.31%) compared to VUG (6.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GQQQ dropped -22.36% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, GQQQ or VUG?

On 1-year performance, GQQQ leads with 31.34% vs 18.35% for VUG. 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, GQQQ or VUG?

Over the 1-year period, GQQQ has performed better with a 31.34% return vs 18.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GQQQ or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for GQQQ.

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

GQQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.38% for VUG.

What is the main difference between GQQQ and VUG?

GQQQ is categorized as Quality Factor, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Astoria and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for GQQQ and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GQQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.04), 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.