GVAL vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GVAL (Cambria Global Value ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GVAL is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Cambria, while VUG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. GVAL is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GVAL returned 12.03%/yr vs 18.28%/yr for VUG. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GVAL charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

GVAL vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) 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, GVAL achieves a 19.68% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 5.76% return. Over the past 10 years, GVAL has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 12.03%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.28% annualized return.

GVAL

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 6.30%
• YTD: 19.68%
• 6M: 19.91%
• 1Y: 46.46%
• 3Y*: 28.26%
• 5Y*: 14.84%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

VUG

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.87%
• YTD: 5.76%
• 6M: 5.17%
• 1Y: 24.00%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 13.40%
• 10Y*: 18.28%

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

GVAL vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GVAL Cambria Global Value ETF	19.68%	55.87%	2.59%	13.30%	-7.98%	10.70%	-8.51%	17.24%	-14.30%	29.50%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	5.76%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between GVAL and VUG is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 12, 2014	0.55

The correlation between GVAL and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (3 years) to 0.58 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GVAL vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GVAL	VUG
Financial Services	16.9%	4.3%
Technology	9.4%	53.5%
Basic Materials	7.7%	0.6%
Energy	6.8%	0.4%
Real Estate	6.2%	1.0%
Communication Services	4.3%	17.3%
Utilities	3.7%	0.9%
Industrials	3.6%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	2.7%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	1.5%
Healthcare	-	4.6%

Return for Risk

GVAL vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

GVAL

GVAL Risk / Return Rank: 86
GVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
GVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
GVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 89
GVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
GVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 37
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

GVAL vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) 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.

	GVAL	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.03	1.44	+1.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.99	1.97	+2.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.25	+0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.06	1.46	+2.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.49	4.99	+10.50

GVAL vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GVAL Sharpe Ratio is 3.03, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GVAL 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

GVAL vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GVAL drawdown since its inception was -46.82%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GVAL and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GVAL	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.82%	-50.68%	+3.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.50%	-16.53%	+5.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.72%	-22.85%	+7.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.83%	-35.61%	+4.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.82%	-35.61%	-11.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.41%	-4.86%	+4.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.83%	-7.09%	-6.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	4.82%	-1.81%

Volatility

GVAL vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cambria Global Value ETF (GVAL) is 6.03%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 6.55%. This indicates that GVAL 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

	GVAL	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.03%	6.55%	-0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.65%	13.32%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.45%	16.80%	-1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.58%	22.36%	-3.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.19%	21.53%	-2.34%

GVAL vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

GVAL has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

GVAL vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

GVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GVAL Cambria Global Value ETF	2.39%	2.93%	4.75%	6.12%	5.05%	2.97%	1.90%	2.84%	4.65%	2.00%	2.54%	2.11%
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 GVAL and VUG in my portfolio?

GVAL and VUG have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GVAL or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.55%) compared to GVAL (6.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GVAL dropped -46.82% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, GVAL or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.28% vs 12.03% for GVAL. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, GVAL has been the lower-risk option at 6.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GVAL or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.28% return vs 12.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GVAL or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for GVAL.

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

GVAL has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 0.39% for VUG.

What is the main difference between GVAL and VUG?

GVAL is categorized as Global Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. They also come from different issuers: Cambria and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for GVAL and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.03 vs 1.44), 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.