GSEW vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GSEW (Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GSEW is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Solactive US Large Cap Equal Weight Index, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSEW returned 8.48%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for VUG. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GSEW charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

GSEW vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) 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, GSEW achieves a 9.63% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 3.52% return.

GSEW

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 9.63%
• 6M: 8.43%
• 1Y: 17.60%
• 3Y*: 17.07%
• 5Y*: 8.48%
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

GSEW vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	9.63%	11.97%	16.89%	17.80%	-17.54%	25.43%	16.28%	31.04%	-8.11%	7.72%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	6.31%

Correlation

The correlation between GSEW and VUG is 0.61, 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	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2017	0.80

The correlation between GSEW and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.80 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GSEW vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSEW	VUG
Technology	21.5%	53.5%
Industrials	15.5%	3.6%
Financial Services	14.1%	4.3%
Healthcare	11.3%	4.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	12.2%
Utilities	5.6%	0.9%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	1.5%
Energy	4.6%	0.4%
Basic Materials	4.4%	0.6%
Real Estate	4.2%	1.0%
Communication Services	4.0%	17.3%

Return for Risk

GSEW vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSEW

GSEW Risk / Return Rank: 45
GSEW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
GSEW Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
GSEW Omega Ratio Rank: 39
GSEW Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
GSEW Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

GSEW vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) 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.

	GSEW	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.42	1.19	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.67	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.21	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	1.22	+1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.68	4.15	+4.54

GSEW vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSEW Sharpe Ratio is 1.42, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSEW 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

GSEW vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSEW drawdown since its inception was -38.65%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSEW and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSEW	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.65%	-50.68%	+12.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-16.53%	+8.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.18%	-22.85%	+4.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.74%	-35.61%	+9.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.70%	-6.88%	+5.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.86%	-7.09%	+1.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	4.84%	-2.81%

Volatility

GSEW vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) is 3.95%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.86%. This indicates that GSEW 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

	GSEW	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	6.86%	-2.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.48%	13.44%	-3.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.45%	16.91%	-4.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.96%	22.39%	-5.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.17%	21.51%	-2.34%

GSEW vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSEW has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GSEW vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GSEW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GSEW Goldman Sachs Equal Weight U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF	1.42%	1.52%	1.46%	1.64%	1.74%	1.34%	1.53%	1.66%	1.56%	0.54%	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 GSEW and VUG in my portfolio?

GSEW and VUG have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GSEW or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to GSEW (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSEW dropped -38.65% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, GSEW or VUG?

On 5-year performance, VUG leads with 12.80% vs 8.48% for GSEW. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, GSEW has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSEW or VUG?

Over the 5-year period, VUG has performed better with a 12.80% return vs 8.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSEW or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for GSEW.

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

GSEW has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between GSEW and VUG?

GSEW is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. GSEW tracks Solactive US Large Cap Equal Weight Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for GSEW and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GSEW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.42 vs 1.19), 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.