HACK vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HACK (ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HACK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Prime Cyber Defense 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 10 years, HACK returned 15.84%/yr vs 18.26%/yr for VUG. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HACK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

HACK vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK) 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, HACK achieves a 27.17% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 9.49% return. Over the past 10 years, HACK has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 15.84%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.26% annualized return.

HACK

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: 24.54%
• YTD: 27.17%
• 6M: 21.31%
• 1Y: 21.52%
• 3Y*: 27.72%
• 5Y*: 11.82%
• 10Y*: 15.84%

VUG

• 1D: -1.23%
• 1M: 6.22%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 8.72%
• 1Y: 27.84%
• 3Y*: 25.93%
• 5Y*: 15.11%
• 10Y*: 18.26%

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

HACK vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HACK ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF	27.17%	7.97%	23.49%	37.44%	-28.16%	7.03%	41.51%	23.39%	6.61%	19.68%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	9.49%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between HACK 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	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2014	0.76

The correlation between HACK and VUG shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (1 year) to 0.76 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HACK vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HACK	VUG
Technology	93.0%	53.5%
Industrials	6.9%	3.6%
Financial Services	0.1%	4.3%
Basic Materials	-	0.6%
Communication Services	-	17.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	1.5%
Energy	-	0.4%
Healthcare	-	4.6%
Real Estate	-	1.0%
Utilities	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

HACK vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

HACK

HACK Risk / Return Rank: 23
HACK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
HACK Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
HACK Omega Ratio Rank: 24
HACK Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
HACK Martin Ratio Rank: 21

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 43
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 48
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

HACK vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK) 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.

	HACK	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	1.77	-0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	2.40	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.31	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.05	1.69	-0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.52	5.92	-3.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HACK vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HACK Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is lower than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HACK 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

	HACK	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85	1.77	-0.92
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49	0.68	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68	0.85	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.62	-0.04

Drawdowns

HACK vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HACK drawdown since its inception was -42.68%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HACK and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	HACK	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.68%	-50.68%	+8.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.67%	-16.53%	-4.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.90%	-22.85%	+0.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.68%	-35.61%	-3.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.68%	-35.61%	-3.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.00%	-1.51%	-1.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-7.09%	-4.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.58%	4.71%	+3.87%

Volatility

HACK vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF (HACK) has a higher volatility of 10.68% compared to Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) at 3.83%. This indicates that HACK'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

	HACK	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.68%	3.83%	+6.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.52%	12.11%	+9.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.47%	15.84%	+9.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.18%	22.22%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.27%	21.44%	+1.83%

HACK vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

HACK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HACK vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

HACK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.06%, less than VUG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HACK ETFMG Prime Cyber Security ETF	0.06%	0.07%	0.14%	0.20%	0.24%	0.26%	1.11%	0.14%	0.09%	0.01%	1.23%	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 HACK and VUG in my portfolio?

HACK 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, HACK or VUG?

HACK has higher volatility (10.68%) compared to VUG (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HACK dropped -42.68% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which ETF is better, HACK or VUG?

On 10-year performance, VUG leads with 18.26% vs 15.84% for HACK. On fees, VUG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VUG has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HACK or VUG?

Over the 10-year period, VUG has performed better with a 18.26% return vs 15.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HACK or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HACK.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.06% for HACK.

What is the main difference between HACK and VUG?

HACK is categorized as Technology Equities, while VUG is Large Cap Growth Equities. HACK tracks Prime Cyber Defense Index, while VUG tracks CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: ETFMG and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HACK and 0.03% for VUG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VUG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 0.85), 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.